Father’s Day is a time to honor those men who love and support their families. Loving husbands and fathers make a difference during difficult times. I met my husband a few years after his divorce. After we started dating, I met his son and daughter when they were ages 7 and 8. I took the liberty of putting his daughter’s hair in a neater style. She was beautiful with the most expressive eyes. Black fathers have been the victim of stereotypes of being absent and uninvolved. My husband spent many days taking our son to the Pediatrician alone for shots. It was difficult for me to get away from my training and later the office. He did soccer games, tennis lessons, and all the homework. He was the Book Fair volunteer; he and another Dad would make sure the kids made smart book choices. He was the chaperone on the school trips; he made all the visits to the orthodontist for the brace: found the Barber for the haircuts, and scheduled the music lessons. He cooked all our meals and even did the laundry.

Now in this Pandemic, he has the patience to do our shopping and keep me calm. He has been the rock as I have been working from home: stepped up and made meals and just has been so supportive. I have spent hours on Zoom learning and meeting up with colleagues. He listens as I have my tirades and then makes me laugh.

Happy Father’s Day.