Last night my wife and I went to the nearby hospital for a
tour of the maternity center. We joined
six or seven other expectant couples and in between pee breaks, we familiarized
ourselves with the area.
Our tour guide led us to the front desk, the delivery room,
the recovery room, and everything in between while also going over procedures
and protocols that were standard and in compliance with many regulations that I did not pay full attention to.
While in the recovery room, which was very nice and almost
resembled more of a hotel room than hospital, our instructor informed us that
it was here that our baby would be ready for his pictures and, for those having
boys, circumcising.
Here we go...
My wife raised her hand--or she may not have, actually I'm certain that she didn't--and
asked:
“Do both parents have to sign the consent form?” Twelve heads whipped around towards us in unison, trying to locate the source of such an odd question.
My face, elevated from it's normal stand by shade of semi pale to an immediate code red, was now flushed and broadcasted what could be described as a
pleasant scowl.
“Uh, no just one.”
The instructor answered, her tone pleasant and neutral.
This did little to mitigate my wife's concern, as she looked back
at me with helpless resignation, as if she were touring a puppy mill. I stood stoically behind her, attempting to
put forth the look of the strong silent type, praying silently that she wouldn't start her tangent about mutilation and cruelty.
“I think nearly 90% of parents opt for the circumcision.”
The instructor went on, but this did little to satisfy my wife. She mumbled something to the effect of not in Africa,
which I didn’t understand nor acknowledge because I didn’t feel like having this ongoing debate in front of an audience.
And it has been a debate.
This is the only decision I have been adamant about. My wife thinks it’s cruel and will cause unnecessary
harm to our son. I counter by telling
her that I’m the expert in this department.
I don’t remember it, it’s done
quickly and then it’s over with.
For those who aren’t circumcised or have elected not to
circumcise their sons, that is fine too. This just happens to be the one thing I request, and I don't feel that it's too much.
My wife finally let it pass, and we continued the short tour
without incident. I’m sure that this won’t be
the first time we don’t see eye to eye on decisions for our son, and I’m sure
she will more often than not get her way.
