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Two years ago, I sat in the window of a hospital's neonatal intensive care unit and stared in at my newborn son - an oxygen bubble over his head and an I.V. stuck in his temple. This child, whom I had only known for less than three days, suddenly was the only thing that mattered.

It's still hard to believe that after a very full and fulfilling 30 years of life, I felt that I would have nothing if this brand new arrival were to disappear. Bills, job worries, conflicts, vanity - all out the window. For both my wife and I, our entire worlds focused in on that tiny boy in a tiny bed, hooked up to cold, squawking machines and green digital displays.

I still thank God every day for bringing us all through that two-week nightmare. Thanks to him, our little boy healed and has grown into a bright, loving, funny kid who has no idea that he was ever in any danger.

The only thing that never returned to "normal" after that gut-wrenching experience was the sudden brainwash of new priorities. Although he was a quick riser on our priority hit list, he was no flash in the pan. He's still holding strong.

Long before having my first child two years ago, I knew what such a decision would mean. I would have to quit the rock band I'd founded, recorded with, and toured with. Quitting a job simply because I didn't feel happy or fulfilled would no longer be an option. Late nights, dropping wads of cash on trivial whims, and sleeping in on Saturdays would all be out the window.

As it turns out, I was right. The only thing I didn't foresee was how suddenly and naturally that priority transformation would occur. It was instant and immediately seemed right.

The truth of the matter is that once you have a child, your life is no longer your own. You'll still be yourself, still have most of the same friends and hobbies. But priorities will no longer be based on your needs and desires. It's a bit of a lifestyle shock, but the rewards outweigh the sacrifices by a long shot.

Suddenly, nights out don't seem to call quite as seductively when there's a smiling little boy who tugs on your hand and says, "Play with me, Daddy?" Suddenly, a stern note from the boss doesn't even seem to register when your mind is unable to escape the thought of your boy at home with a bad cough and fever. Even though he's with a more than capable Mommy, deep down, you want - need - to be there with him, no matter how much money you might be able to pocket from the day's big sales pitch.

If more people committed to seeing their priorities in a new light before deciding to bring a life into this world, we'd likely have few problems with abuse and abandonment - not to mention a widespread lack of parenting.

I, for one, have embraced the change. In fact, we're expecting our second child this summer. That will take another involuntary re-structuring of priorities, but I can't wait.

Learn more about this author, Todd Christian.
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