Father's Day is often a time to celebrate dads.
But this year, I've been thinking about something a little broader.
I've been thinking about the men who show up.
The fathers who work long hours to provide for their families.
The dads who quietly cheer from the sidelines at ball games, dance recitals, graduations, and school events.
The grandfathers who share their wisdom, traditions, and stories with the next generation.
The stepdads who choose to love children as their own.
The foster and adoptive fathers who open their homes and hearts to children who need safety, stability, and belonging.
The mentors, coaches, teachers, pastors, and father figures who help guide young people through life's challenges.
Not every father is connected by biology.
But every child deserves someone who shows up.
Someone who listens.
Someone who encourages.
Someone who believes in them.
Someone who helps them navigate life's transitions.
Fatherhood often happens in the quiet moments that few people see.
It's the early mornings, late nights, difficult conversations, sacrifices, and steady presence that make a lasting difference.
It's showing up day after day, year after year, even when life is difficult.
This Father's Day, I also want to recognize single dads.
Single fathers often carry responsibilities that can feel overwhelming. They balance work, parenting, household responsibilities, school events, and countless decisions, often without the recognition they deserve.
To the single dads who are doing their best each day: thank you.
Your efforts matter.
Your presence matters.
The love and stability you provide matter.
I've also been inspired by stories of extraordinary father figures such as Peter Mutabazi, a foster and adoptive father whose life reminds us that family is built through love, commitment, and service. His story is a powerful example of how one person's willingness to show up can change the trajectory of a child's life.
As we celebrate Father's Day, let's honor all of the men who show up:
The fathers.
The grandfathers.
The single dads.
The foster and adoptive dads.
The stepdads.
The mentors.
The coaches.
The teachers.
The pastors.
The father figures.
The men whose kindness, guidance, sacrifice, and love leave a lasting legacy.
Because some of the most important people in our lives are not remembered for what they owned or accomplished.
They are remembered because they showed up.
Happy Father's Day to the men who show up.