Today, many of us will gather to celebrate our fathers. 

But I want to acknowledge the thousands of families for whom this Father’s Day will be different. The children who don’t have a father or who don’t know where he is. The spouses who are raising their children alone or who must shoulder more work and responsibilities in their partner's absence. 

Families mourning the loss of a father. 

Despite the pain, the support we show for one another is what keeps us moving forward. 

Our neighbors and relatives who step up in times of need. The soccer coach, the school janitor, or the abuelito who become the father figure we need. 

That’s what gives us hope.  

So, to the fathers who risked everything for us. 

To the fathers who rise before the sun to work and provide for their loved ones. 

To the fathers who learned a new language so their children could have a brighter future. 

To the fathers who showed up every day, who read us a bedtime story, who played ball with us, who hugged us when we felt alone, who cracked a joke to make us laugh in the middle of our tears. 

To the fathers who, despite the distance, continue to make us smile and feel warm and so loved. 

Thank you for everything you do. 

Whether you’re sitting right next to us or thousands of miles away, we are united by a special bond that can never be broken. 

And we will continue to work together until we can all celebrate our fathers and return your hugs, your jokes, your time, your patience, your love. 

To my own Papá, thank you so much for everything you did for us and for all you continue to do. I wouldn’t be who I am today without your love. 

Con mucho cariño,