The True Strength of a Man

by Rob Shandler

Almost five years have passed since I learned the true meaning of helplessness. An evening that started with a romantic comedy and some popcorn quickly turned into an emotional prizefight in which I was being battered. Learned instincts tell men to fight back in these types of situations, but there was no opponent to be seen. My inability to fight this invisible adversary was forcing me to break my first parental oath as “protector” though I hadn’t yet met my firstborn. My child was in danger. There was nothing I could do to stop it. Our battle with preterm labour was just... [read more]