This holiday usually conjures up negative energies from my Black and Latino brethren. Stories of misplaced fathers, dual-role mothers, and accidental pregnancy loom in the periphery of our society’s ills. Today, however, I chose to remember those who we consider the exceptions when other cultures may consider them the norm. This is for the fathers who work ’til their limbs give out just to keep the lights on in the apartment. This is for the fathers who barely see their offspring not because they chose to leave but because they’re trying to find their way back home. This is for the fathers who take care of children that aren’t even theirs, but they inherited via occupation or circumstance. This is for the fathers who have no children, but provide inspiration to youth all across the nation. This is for the fathers who left their children too soon from passing onto another life but still look upon their children longing to reunite once more. This is for the fathers who understand the stereotype of father absenteeism, but scoff at the notion of leaving any child behind. In that sense, we have fathers in abundance.

And this is for the sons and daughters who, after truly knowing their fathers whether present or not, find it in their hearts to forgive and find love for their place in bringing you to this Earth. And because, as much as we try, we find a piece of our father’s within ourselves constantly …

Jose, who has tried to communicate with every father he knows, especially his own …