No, my mumps-and-infection-ravaged testicles did NOT recuperate and get someone pregnant...

(Now there's a ghastly thought!)

My Godson (1) became a father today at around 5PM, after "Missy" (Name changed) spent nearly 13 hours in labor to deliver baby Mason.

He comes in at ~7 lbs., 8 oz. and just over 20" with a head full of dark hair. He was very wide-eyed and observant and calm while being passed around for the first hour or so.

Little brother (Godson 3) was just thrilled to be an uncle at age 11.

It was very moving, as they are as close to sons as I will ever get, and Mason is as close to a grandchild as I will ever be able to come.

But over the past 20 years, I've come to realize that while anyone with a few live sperm cells can become a biological father, there's a lot more to it than that. In raising a child, shared DNA has nothing to do with the idea of "who the father really IS."

My own father vanished when I was only 6 months old, but luckily, I had a suitable substitute.

I think it is a rare type of man who can find this kind of love in his heart for a child that is not his own.

Many here, I know, won't understand this - but some will.

Tonight, I honor the man who pretty much raised me when another man didn't want to.

Paolo wrote: Mon Oct 27, 2008 9:36 pm My Godson (1) became a father today at around 5PM, after "Missy" (Name changed) spent nearly 13 hours in labor to deliver baby Mason.

He comes in at ~7 lbs., 8 oz. and just over 20" with a head full of dark hair. He was very wide-eyed and observant and calm while being passed around for the first hour or so.

Little brother (Godson 3) was just thrilled to be an uncle at age 11.

But over the past 20 years, I've come to realize that while anyone with a few live sperm cells can become a biological father, there's a lot more to it than that. In raising a child, shared DNA has nothing to do with the idea of "who the father really IS."

Congratulations, Paolo. You seem proud and happy about the birth and you have every right to be.

Yes. To bring up a child is a lot more work than conceiving one. I found it both a privilege and sometimes an awesome responsibility to raise a child.

Of course, "who the father really is" is, alas, all to often simply a financial matter. Is he going to contribute to the cost?

Kortpeel

In the natural course of country and western music there is a song about exactly this. I, of course, cannot remember the title at the moment. If I do, I will send it to you. But the point is that you have received love and are passing it on. You are lucky on both counts. The world is a little bit better for people like you. Thank you for your post. It brightened my day.

I know what you mean. My goddaughter is a great blessing to me. I have two nieces and seven nephews, two grandnephews and a grandniece. My goddaughter is one of my nieces.

Congrats my friend! Mumps Ravished? Hummm... Better then how I was describing it...

There is a great difference between being a “sperm donor” and being a “father” or other form of “parent.” LOVE is the key difference, though.

I have spent time with Paolo’s three godsons, and it is very clear that they are fortunate enough to have three very loving and caring parents. I have on my desk right now a photograph of Paolo holding the new baby. Mason is fortunate to have him as one of his grandparents – one who will love him and help to raise him.

My congratulations to Paolo on this new addition to his extended family. I wish that I had had a chance to meet the man who raised Paolo. I have heard (and read) powerful stories of the love that they shared. Everyone deserves, but few receive, the level of love and care that I have seen surrounding Paolo.

congratulations Paolo on your new addition to your family

are you going to teach him how to use your light saber when he’s old enough

I'm very pleased at the news; Pleased that your godson is now a father (Does that make you a grand-god-father or a god-grand-father?). And pleased for you as well. --FLO--

Congratulations were passed last nite late along with many pics of a very cute and complacent child. Looked downright pleased with having made an appearance!

Congratulations Paolo! Arab Nights if this is the song your right it is perfect The Man Who Was The Father He Didn't Half To Be Congratulations Paolo! Ernie