In the history of the world, the male figure of the family has always held an important role; however, the main focus was put on the woman of the family for centuries. The woman was counted on to run the household and bear the children. Men were still vital, as they went out and worked, providing for their families, but the woman was given most of the credit of a functioning family. This is not to discredit families that are run by single parents. Single parents are miracle workers of their own, constantly facing unfathomable challenges and have unwavering strength.

Now, women are coming out of the home and becoming a significant and deserved presence in the workplace. They are making history and, while the statistics still reveal inequalities, women are paving the way as CEOs, lawyers, doctors, teachers, and so much more. With women emerging in the workplace, there is a shift in traditional values and appreciation. Fathers are now starting to be recognized for how significant their roles in their families are. While, yes, women are still responsible for bearing children for obvious reasons, the father’s role is being realized to be equally as important.

Father’s serve as their daughter’s first love, provide an example for their sons on how to grow into a man, the integrity, the safety, and the security of the family. Father’s carry an insane burden of being the provider of the family; the one that feels it is his predisposed duty to ensure the happiness, health, and security of his family.

I did not have the privilege of living with my father for my entire life. I got to know him from a distance and admittedly, did not have the level of appreciation for him that he deserved. I would say things that I did not mean, and not care as much as I should, but being the man that he is and the father that he is, his love and presence never swayed. In the recent years, I had the privilege of moving in with him and going to college just a couple miles from his office. I finally have the appreciation and adoration to give to him that he deserves.

My father is an unsung hero in my eyes. I see him as my hero, a role model and one great man. A man that rises at the crack of dawn and silently runs himself into the ground each and every day so that my family can have anything and everything we could ever need. His job does not end as the week comes to a close. He continues to rise at the crack of dawn, always having a stack of pancakes ready for everyone, ready to tackle his endless To-Do list, without fail, every weekend. He is fair and kind with a heart of gold. He is honest and a gentleman. I trust him and his word. He never expects a thank you, and I have never heard a complaint. So on this Father’s Day, I hope to show him even a sliver of my respect for him and hope that he can sit down, with a beer in hand, to relax for even a second.

I love you endlessly, Daddy.