Name: Aaron Wood | City: Tampa, FL | IG:@AoWood3
What does being a father mean to you?
Everything! It means becoming a better man. It means becoming a better husband, role model, friend. It means becoming a better person. A person that my son can be proud of.
Describe your experience with your father growing up and how that impacted you today.
My father and had a very solid bond. Though my parents divorced when I was a teenager, I never felt like he wasn’t around. He was always there when we needed him. Just like how I will always be there for my son when he needs me.
What things did you take from your experience growing up into your own fatherhood journey?
To be patient and positive. We had to go through IVF process and it was a long 2 years before things started to shift. There were times when I felt like giving up. I would think maybe I’m not supposed to be a father and this was a slow and painful process for me to realize that. Patience and positivity got me through those tough times.
Have you had any obstacles on your fatherhood journey?
Yes, briefly mentioned above. The IVF process was extremely difficult and demanding, especially on my wife. Just what she had to go through to mimic what some people can do easily. The shots, the surgeries, the medication. We did that for all most 6 months, with one of the transfers not taking. It’s a frustrating and long process. Times we felt like giving up. But we didn’t. We stayed on the course and continued to push forward. Its rewarding in the end.
What advice would you give others new on their fatherhood journey?
Well since my son is only 14 days old, I would say don’t take any of this for granted. The past 2 weeks went by fast. Tbh, the 9 months went by fast. Just appreciate all of it. Appreciate being a man that’s preparing for fatherhood. Appreciate the amazing things that the female body can do and withstand. Appreciate your partner for who they are and what they sacrifice. And appreciate the moments.
If you could write a quick letter to your father, starting with “Dear Father,” what would you say?
Dear Father,
Thank you for making me the man I am today. Though at times I didn’t understand what you were trying to do, i now see that you were only trying to prepare me for this moment. The moment when I became a father. And at that instant, everything made sense. So thank for your tough love. Thank you for your guidance. Thank you for pushing me to be the best man I can be. And thank you for being my father!
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