Many friends (at least those who still recognize me) have asked why I am allowing my facial hair to grow unfettered.
It’s a bit complicated, but something this fall caused me to grow a beard.
Meet Scott - a father
It wasn’t the warm Florida rain and bright sun that caused the unusual growth on my face. Nor was it entirely laziness (though I admit to hating the need to shave).
Last January I turned 30. This summer I learned that Caryn and I had conceived a child. And this fall I learned that it is a son. All of this coalesced during a trip to Alaska into the urgent need to grow a beard. You see, I feel as if I have become a different person.
When Caryn and I married, there was a strong sense of becoming someone different. I was no longer merely Scott, but also now Scott-who-is-husband-to-Caryn. Now I am also Scott-who-is-father.
Before this summer, I thought that becoming a father would probably change things, my sleeping patterns at the least. But I had no idea how it would change my identity. And I suppose I still don’t know — after all, my son has not yet been born. But I already know that I am a father, and I know my son, though I haven’t seen him with my eyes.
Something huge has changed. I am only beginning to learn what that might be.
Hmmmmm. You know the Amish men grow a beard when they get married. I guess you southern boys grow beards when you are expecting a baby. And yes I know what kinda baby it is.
Mike told me.
We’re praying for you two (three)!
Jeff, welcome to our blog
I hadn’t heard that about the Amish, but it sure makes sense to me given what I wrote above! When I first grew out my beard, a neighbor asked if I was changing religions (?!?). Maybe that’s what he meant.
[...] Growing a Beard, part 2 November 9, 2008 Filed under: Uncategorized — Scott @ 11:17 pm If you haven’t read it yet, check out Growing a Beard, part 1. [...]