From Dreams to Responsibilities

A self made man

As a boy, life was simple - wake up, eat, play, sleep, and repeat. No deadlines, no bills, no responsibilities. His biggest worry was finishing his homework on time or convincing his mom to let him stay outside for just five more minutes. The world was full of endless possibilities, and in his young mind, life would always be this carefree.

But time has its own plans.

Stepping into adulthood, he was full of energy, ambition, and dreams. The world seemed limitless. He wanted to make something of himself, to earn respect, to build a future where he could afford everything he once wished for as a kid.

Late-night chats with friends were filled with discussions about careers, success, and making it big. His pockets weren’t always full, but his heart was - full of dreams, ideas, and the fire to achieve something great.

Then came his first job. The thrill of earning his first paycheck was unlike anything else. But with it came the first reality check - money doesn’t last as long as you think, and work isn’t as easy as it looks. He learned that dreams require sacrifice, and nothing comes without effort. Slowly, the carefree young man started transforming. His weekend outings turned into quiet nights of rest, his endless energy now drained by work stress.

Then, love entered his life - not the filmy, grand gesture kind, but the quiet, comforting kind. The kind that made him check his phone to see if she reached home safely. The kind that made him save money, not for himself, but for future plans together.

His way of expressing love changed. "I love you" became "Did you eat?" and "Take care of yourself." Romantic dates turned into planning a home, a life, and a future together.

Marriage brought new responsibilities. He had to think beyond himself. Expenses weren’t just his own anymore, and every decision he made had to include someone else. The man who once spent nights gaming now spent them discussing bills, home loans, and career stability.

Then, one day, he held a tiny hand in his own - and in that moment, everything changed.

His dreams? Still there, but now they came second. His child’s dreams became his priority. The expensive watch he once wanted? Forgotten, because now he was thinking about diapers, school fees, and bedtime stories.

The man who once slept in till noon was now up at dawn, making milk bottles and trying to decode baby cries. The once fearless, carefree guy now worried about every little thing - his child’s health, future, and happiness.

At the same time, another realization hit him - his own parents were getting older. The father who once carried him on his shoulders now needed support while walking. The mother who ran behind him with a plate of food now needed reminders to eat on time.

The man who once thought his dad was "too strict" now found himself sounding exactly like him.

Years passed, and one day, he looked at himself in the mirror. There were a few gray hairs, a tired but content smile. Life had changed him in ways he never imagined.

He no longer wanted to conquer the world - he just wanted to see his family happy. His parents healthy. His kids successful. His partner by his side, through every joy and struggle.

Reviews

[emmajoygreen]

If only all men who COULD be like your 'hero' were like him! There's no point in pretending to be a 'good lad, a fine husband, father and general human being', one is like that or not. But aiming for what many think is ordinary is often thought of as lacking in ambition, in under achieving. But that makes mockery of good husbands and fathers, that is down and out irony in a world run by money and greed, the stab in the back mentality, the derision and so forth.

I admire your man.. and am sure their wives and children do too. Finely written, words threaded with true generosity.