This Father’s Day, Don’t Forget the Dads Who Love All Year

Don’t forget the dads.

The dads who work hard all day and then come home to mow the backyard in the summer heat.

The dads who put off heavy discussions so that they can snuggle their kids during a movie.

And the dads who lovingly put overtired, whiny children, who are begging for mama to tuck them in instead, into their beds without complaint.

This Father’s Day, don’t forget the dads who love all year.

The dads who make difficult decisions every day behind the scenes.

The dads who replace light bulbs and take out trash and recycling.

And the dads who power wash the deck and sweep the sidewalk.

The dads who fix leaks, air up tires, and switch out wiper blades.

The dads who stand out in the cold to scrape ice off the windshield in the winter.

And the dads who show up

The dads who patiently coach soccer, read books, and attend dance recitals.

The dads who help out with PTA events and teach their kids how to swim and ride a bike.

And the dads who smoke a brisket for hours to feed an entire party of friends and neighbors.

The dads who drive the whole way there and back on road trips without complaint.

The dads who put their families first

And the dads who put their families first and themselves second.

The dads who often delay chasing their own dreams for their kids’ well-being.

The dads who forgive mistakes and show grace and teach kindness and love fiercely.

And the dads who ask for nothing in return but their families’ happiness.

Don’t forget the dads.

A version of this post was originally published June 15, 2021.