Gary Jenkins reflects on the transformative nature of fatherhood through two unique experiences: when he first became a father in 1995 and again 21 years later. Initially seeing fatherhood as a complement to his successful life, the birth of his daughter opened him to profound love and responsibility. Later, as a father to his eight-year-old son Ben at the age of 66, he experiences fatherhood more viscerally, recognizing the significance of limited time and life lessons gained. His new relationship led to a fulfilling family life that he long desired, highlighting the evolution of his understanding of love and parenting.
I was a sales director, on the crest of a wave, he says. Becoming a father seemed to complement the full set: the car, the house, the job, the good life.
I'm aware that I'm at the end of that loop as another life is coming into it. My time with my son feels much more limited and hence much more precious.
I'd never experienced anything like it. Suddenly, all of the things that had defined me weren't there any more. I spun out.
Ultimately, what this meant was that when he met the right partner, many years later, he didn't hesitate to create the family life he had always wanted.
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