In early November, I stepped out of the shower to discover I was home alone. Wrapped in a towel, I stood in the silence that had been absent for what felt like ages—probably since March when everything changed. The world shut down, my job shifted to remote work, and my partner, Alex, began teaching online while our two kids transitioned to virtual learning.
As a father of two, I’ve yearned for moments of solitude since my first child arrived in 2007. I recognize that fathers often get more alone time than mothers, and I want to acknowledge that dynamic. When Alex was a stay-at-home parent, it seemed like the kids followed her everywhere, often leaving her wishing for just a few minutes of peace.
However, comparing who gets more time alone isn’t the focus here. With our family working and learning from home during 2020, that rare alone time became a coveted treasure, as hard to find as a unicorn. It felt like searching for a mythical beast or the lost city of Atlantis.
With COVID-19 still a concern, playdates, birthday parties, and trips to the pool were off the table. Winter in Oregon meant no hiking or outdoor adventures unless we wanted to brave the rain. My house had turned into a chaotic blend of toys, snacks, and open laptops.
Once a week, I send Alex into our bedroom for some private time, and she does the same for me. Those moments are magical, but they don’t compare to having the whole house to myself, where I can enjoy the profound absence of noise—no running, no arguments, and no requests for snacks.
So, when I stepped out of the shower that day and realized I was truly alone, I was initially taken aback by the tranquility. Part of me wondered where my family had gone—perhaps they had slipped into a mystical realm. Truthfully, I didn’t care. I just wanted to savor the silence.
After drying off, I put on some underwear, debating whether to dress more fully. Not wanting to waste this rare moment, I decided to do something simple yet delightful: I retrieved some popsicles from the freezer and sat at the kitchen table in my underwear, soaking in the quiet. I know it may sound odd—a middle-aged dad enjoying popsicles in his undies—but I assure you, it was a remarkable experience.
I was alone for about 30 minutes before Alex and the kids returned from a stroll around the neighborhood, taking advantage of a rare dry spell. Honestly, I was grateful for their absence because that brief period of solitude was undeniably the highlight of my year.
If you’re looking for more insights on the journey of parenthood, check out this related post here. For those interested in topics surrounding conception, this site offers valuable resources, and Cleveland Clinic provides excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
In a year marked by chaos and constant family togetherness, a rare moment of solitude became an unexpected highlight for a father of two. Stepping out of the shower to discover he was home alone for the first time in months led to a delightful experience of enjoying popsicles in his underwear, proving that sometimes the simplest joys can be the most memorable.
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