This is the first Father's Day without my father being alive. Although I haven't lived close to him in years, it reminds me of the influence he had on my life and reminds me to be thankful for fathers everywhere. He taught me to value education, nature and to try to spend money wisely. I miss him.
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My Dad, Lee Johnson
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I also think it is important to remember fathers who are struggling in this world to make ends meet and try to give their children a better life with a hopeful future.
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The love of a father
"My dreams, as a father, are to give [my children] the best education I can, give them opportunities and teach them to value and respect others so they can overcome and not have the hard life I had when growing up or as an adult."
— Rolando, father of a sponsored child in Colombia.
For Rolando, his three kids mean everything. But after an injury several years ago left him unable to work and his wife left the family, Rolando had some difficulty supporting them. A friend told him about Unbound, and through his daughter's sponsorship, Rolando is hopeful he can provide the future for his kids that he dreams of.
Despite the difficulties of being a single father, Rolando persevered, learning to cook and do other household tasks, and is now a role model to other men.
"I have learned to take care of my children," Rolando said. "It is interesting how other men in the community, instead of criticizing me, they admire me."
Being a dad is hard. Sometimes it can be thankless, frustrating, heartbreaking, exhausting. But being a dad can also be something full of joy. The moments of love and pride, like when a father first holds his daughter in his arms or the first time he hears his son say "daddy," can make all the small moments of rebellion and misunderstanding seem worth it.
To learn more about Unbound please see
or to visit our outreach page
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