That other one day in September

GIVING birth for the first time isn’t exactly a walk in the park.

Yeah, I’m a bloke, what would I know about it? Well, believe me, I know. I was there in Geelong hospital, riding shotgun with my wife through every contraction. In fact, it’s only now, six years later, that I’m starting to regain full feeling in my left hand.

But what can I say? It was totally worth it. An experience packed with emotion and drama that I’ll never forget.

So it came as no surprise to read in the Addy on Thursday that Cats veteran and expectant father Tom Lonergan wanted to be with his wife Kim for the birth of their first child.

Not exactly news, except for the fact the due date fell on the same day Geelong needed to win against Melbourne to sew up a top-four spot.

Fortunately, however, this fixturing clash never materialised and Tom was free to play in what turned out to be a bit of a walk in the park in itself against the Dees.

But his intentions were good in any case, and at last count 82 per cent of people who voted in an Addy online poll agree.

That cold September night in the maternity ward six years ago was, to borrow a Bruceism, “special”. It had it all — trepidation, frustration, confusion, surprise, anger, fear and joy. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Thing is, I almost did. I’d gone to Melbourne for a final pre-parenthood blowout, kicking off by taking in a footy final with my mates. The due date wasn’t for two weeks and I went up there with my better half’s blessing. And then, wouldn’t you know it, during a thrilling third quarter my phone rang. It was her, and I needed to get home. Really? Now? What, the little guy couldn’t wait until Monday to make an appearance? But that’s life. As a parent you’re duty bound to put the team first and this was my first opportunity to step up and prove I had what it takes to be a dad. And step up I did, in the premiership quarter too as it happened, as having had too many drinks to drive I moved heaven and earth to organise swift transport back to the Surf Coast, and I’ve never looked back since.

Father’s Day is on Sunday, a day to acknowledge the sacrifices us dads make, all the hard yards and little one percenters that often go unnoticed.

I know I’ve done my fair share over the years, all starting with that night out in Melbourne, and I don’t expect it to ever end.

I can’t wait to spend Sunday with the kids.

I’m sure Tom must be just as eager to do the same.