Slax author's Blog (RSS)
18
October2024
Welcoming New Life
Many of you already know that I’ve spent the last several decades working deeply in technology, building, maintaining, and improving Slax Linux, along with other projects. It has been an amazing journey, full of challenges and rewards. But life can surprise us, even if we plan everything carefully. Today, I want to share with you the biggest surprise and happiness life has given me: on October 14, 2024, at 45 years old, I became a father again, this time to a beautiful baby girl.
Before I get into all the emotions, let me explain for those who don’t know – I already have two wonderful sons, who are 16 and 17 years old. They are almost adults now, starting to think about their own futures, and watching them grow has been one of the greatest joys of my life. But just when I thought I had figured out parenting, here I am, holding a newborn again. Yes, diapers, sleepless nights, and crying are back in my life!
It might sound a little crazy, even to me, to start over again after so many years. My boys are almost ready for college. We already passed the stage of endless diaper changes, tantrums, and waking up every two hours. Just when I was getting used to the idea of peaceful nights and the slower pace of having teenagers, life gave me a new challenge: fatherhood, round two.
But honestly? I wouldn’t want it any other way. There is something special about holding a newborn, thinking about all the possibilities and mystery in such a tiny baby. The sleepless nights, the crying, the endless feeding – it’s all part of this beautiful, crazy cycle of life.
Some people might think that at 45, I’m too old for this, or maybe a little crazy to start again with a baby girl. And maybe they are right. But isn’t that what life is about? Embracing the chaos, living fully, and yes, creating and passing on what we have learned? As much as I love my work and the technology I’ve built, nothing compares to the joy (and sometimes craziness) of raising a child.
At this point in my life, being an "older" father gives me a different perspective. I’m not as stressed as I was in my 20s or 30s. I’ve already gone through the ups and downs of raising teenagers, so I know what’s ahead. I’ve learned patience, and I’ve learned that it’s okay not to know everything. There is a kind of freedom in that understanding. With age comes a type of wisdom, the ability to enjoy the moments more deeply without getting lost in the rush.
In the end, this is what life is all about. It’s about creating something meaningful and giving yourself fully to the experiences that shape us. And right now, even though it might seem crazy, I’m jumping into this new adventure with my newborn daughter. It’s a challenge, yes, but one that’s full of potential, hope, and most of all, love.
So here’s to this new chapter. To sleepless nights and baby giggles. To watching my boys grow into men, and my daughter into her own person. I might be 45, and I might have more gray hair than when I had my boys, but now I have yet another reason to wake up every morning. And I am so thankful for that.
Live long and prosper.
User comments
Congratulations Tomas! Coincidentally, I was born when my dad was 45. A difference, though, was that I'm an only child, so that was my mother and father's first experience with raising a kid. As a kid, I did think that my parents were a bit "old fashioned" compared to my friends' parents who were younger of course, but looking back I am glad they did a good job teaching me the right values.
I do remember one time my dad and I were on vacation and checking into a hotel and the desk clerk saying something to my father about his "grandson". My dad said, icily, "He's my son." So be prepared for that from time to time. :)
Pat
Yeah I do worry a bit about looking like a grandpa, but it's a great motivation to take better care of myself! :)
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Congratulations!
And good luck for this newly born adventure.