I will never forget the moment I found out my girlfriend of nine months was pregnant. I had just finished a workout and was sitting in my car when she called. She said, “I need to tell you something.” Pregnancy never crossed my mind but those were the next words out of her mouth.
As much as I hate to admit it, my heart sank. I always wanted kids, but this was not how I imagined it. Not while things were not going well between us. Not before I was sure I could fully commit to her.
I was not panicked but I was disappointed in myself. I wanted that moment to be filled with joy. It was not.
Telling my family was harder than I thought. My sisters were shocked. My mom just cried and walked away. She told me, through tears, how hard it is to raise a child even when two people are fully in love.
She was not judging she was just heartbroken for what might be ahead. I felt the same.
Eventually, things shifted. We started preparing for the baby. When we found out it was a girl, I cried right there in the restaurant. That is when it truly hit me.
Throughout the pregnancy, I put aside every negative emotion and supported my girlfriend. When labor started, I stood by her side and cried like I never had before. It hit me I loved this little person more than anything.
The first year was rough. I began a new job, we were staying at her mom’s place, and I barely got any sleep.
I pushed through because I had to. But after a while, I knew things between us were done.
I made the decision to leave for my own well-being and to be a better dad.
What followed was painful. Court battles, custody talks, emotional and financial strain. I felt like I had to prove I deserved to be in my daughter’s life. But I kept showing up. I often cried, but I did not give up.
Being a single dad is tough, but it is also the best thing in my life. I might mess up her hair or struggle with outfits but i have potty-trained her, taught her how to tie her shoes, and walked beside her through both joy and grief.
I am not perfect, but i am present. And I love her deeply. That is what matters most.
