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Why Fathers Matter

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Father.
Dad.
Grandpa.
Bop Bop.

These names carry stories. For some, they speak of warmth, safety, and laughter. For others, they're tender reminders of what was missing, along with pain and grief.

Gratefully, for me, these words are all positive.

My father has been the most impactful person in my life. I remember growing up feeling his presence, whether coaching my basketball team, fishing in the creek, or cheering me from the sidelines. His presence was felt positively.

From the earliest years, he taught me resilience, integrity, hard work, and confidence—not through lectures but by living them. I never questioned whether he'd catch me when I fell. And I've fallen–hard at times. But his presence never wavered. He’s not perfect. None of us is. But he’s always been there.
 

 
 

 

I remember the ache of my divorce—three children, all with different wounds. My daughters grieved in one way, my son in another. And my dad stepped in, not just as my father, but as Bop Bop—the grandpa who wrestled with my son, remained constant with my daughters, and built bridges of trust when everything else felt like it was falling apart.

I wish every child could experience the kind of father I’ve had—and the kind of grandpa my children have in their Bop Bop.

I wish no mother ever had to carry the weight of being both mom and dad.

But to the mothers who do—your strength is unmatched.

Your love, your presence, and your tireless investment in your child’s life are nothing short of heroic. You are shaping futures with every sacrifice you make.

Why Fathering Matters:

 

  • Children with present, engaged fathers are 40% less likely to experience behavioral problems.

  • Girls with involved dads are twice as likely to graduate from college and 75% less likely to experience depression.

  • Boys with nurturing fathers are more likely to develop empathy, perform better in school, and form healthy relationships.

  • And yet, 1 in 4 children in the U.S. grow up without a father in the home.

The absence is real—and its impact runs deep. But even in that absence, healing is possible.

 

To All the Present Fathers

Who make their children feel safe, seen, and heard—
We see you.
We appreciate you.
You are doing holy work.

 

And to Those Who Grew Up Without One

May you know how deeply worthy, loved, and powerful you are.
May your grief become the fuel for compassion.
May your pain become a lighthouse for the next generation.

You are not alone.

To the Bop Bops and Dads who show up—not as perfect men, but as present, loving ones, your steady love becomes the safe place where generations learn to rise again.
 

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