Fatherhood BY JAVIER MENDOZA Each June people celebrate
My dad was the greatest example
While this Father's Day may be sad
Father's Day. Some will take this
of hope, restoration, and a life
for many because of the death of
month to honor and admire their
lived with faith. He instilled in me a
their father, I also recognize that
dad as it has been tradition for
profound trust in God. He gave me
many have always felt a deep
many, many years both in the
the greatest example of how to
longing and sense of loss for a
United States and around the
love, give, and serve others.
father who was never there.
He inspired me to do all of the
Others still, had a person who was
My dad was my best friend. He
things I have committed to do
supposed to fill this role but
was strong, wise, funny, caring, full
through my work here at Connect
instead inflicted suffering, abuse,
of integrity, hardworking, and
Global.
and in some cases left a bitterness
world.
would literally give you the shirt off
toward this annual celebration.
his back if he found out you
I realize that as I reflect on the
needed it. He set the bar high for
great father I had and the
I want you to know that if you are
me as a father, a husband, and a
amazing feelings I have towards
someone who can not muster up
him that many this June will not
good feelings around this month
friend.
share the fondness towards
because of a father that either
fathers or fatherhood that I do.
wasn't there or due to someone
at my best I feel like I have so
My father passed away on
they were 'there', I care deeply for
much to learn and so much ground
November 18th, 2020 after a
you and want you to know that I
to cover in order to measure up.
weeks long battle with covid and
am thinking about you this month.
I try to live as close to the example my father set as possible but even
who wasn't a good father while
pneumonia. He is deeply missed.
THE CONNECTION MAGAZINE
