I'm Back, Part III

Have you read Part I?
How about Part II?

I'm a sports guy, so you can plan on getting a lot of sports comparisons as you read on. Here's your first:

A long snapper in the NFL is essentially an offensive lineman who wasn't quite good enough to play full time. I don't know a lot of long snappers personally, but I feel pretty comfortable saying that, as kids, I doubt most of those playing today were dreaming about only playing during punts or extra point attempts. I'd dare say that most saw themselves throwing a game-winning pass, making a touchdown-saving tackle, or even making that incredible block that freed the running back for a score. For one reason or another, things don't always work out, and these guys end up not as game savers, but spot players. Now, you can't take anything away from a long snapper. There are no accolades, no MVP trophies, no parades, but these guys are NFL players, even if they aren't doing it the way they thought they would. Instead, they've been able to fill an important role on their team, and they are filling that role to the best of their ability willingly.

The situation is pretty similar for me. I've always pictured myself as a media powerhouse. I wanted to schmooze in the press boxes, make friends with the players, and write stories that people read, loved, and shared with others. For some reason, not for lack of effort, things didn't work out for me, and I'm playing a different “position.” Do I like it? Not really, no. That said, my family needs me to do this right now, so I'm willing to do it.

I've spent time asking “why me?”, but the only answer I ever got was that it didn't matter why. All that mattered was that I do what's required of me, and that's what I'm trying to do. Sure, it's frustrating some days, even depressing, but I also realize how lucky I am to get this time. My daughters are four and two – some of the most entertaining years of a child's development. They keep me busy, they keep me entertained, and they keep me doing what I can to make myself better as a man, husband, and father.

What you're going to read on the following pages are what I affectionately refer to as “The Adventures of SuperDad.” Not saying there's anything special about me, because there isn't. It just dawned on me one day as I was folding one of those stupid, bottom sheets (I have no clue how to fold those freaking things), that I could either hate this life, or embrace it. It could destroy me, or it could fuel me. It could be my kryptonite, or it could be my Lois Lane. I don't know what that meant, it just seemed like a good place for a Superman reference. It won't be my last.

Every day, every decision, is an adventure. My kids love poop, they hate baths, and they scream louder than anything I've ever heard. But this book isn't really about them, it's about me.

My name is Kevin Antcliff, and I am a stay-at-home dad.