Father’s Day always brings a smile to my face. This year, I have been more intentional about affirming the people I love. And during the month that we celebrate Fathers, it brings me great joy to affirm all the amazing fathers that I know and love.

I was blessed with an amazing father, and I credit his work ethic for my own unfaltering ambition and relentless pursuit of my dreams. Reflecting on my daddy’s love and dedication for our family fills my eyes with tears of joy and my heart with gratitude. Growing up, daddy did everything he could to create a beautiful life for our family. He took us on international trips. He always found a way to make special memories with us. Not only did he build a great life for us during a time that was extraordinarily difficult for Black men, he did it with tenacious perseverance and rose to the occasion when met with opposition at every turn.

My father’s persistent and relentless determination spilled over into each of us. His dedication taught us to pursue our dreams fiercely and to use our God-given gifts and talents to make a profound impact on the world. He showed us how to do this by starting his construction company, The Polote Corporation, over 50 years ago. Because of his steadfast perseverance, the family business stands to this day. To my loving father, I affirm you. I say thank you, I see you, I appreciate you, I honor you, and I love you!

My husband of 35 years, Russ, has been a wonderful father to our three children. They have seen him work hard and care for our family. His work ethic has shaped their mindset and outlook on life. His consistency and diligence have been a blessing to our family spanning the course of three decades. We have continued the same tradition I grew up enjoying—international family vacations, making beautiful new memories on each trip. Russ has made the sacrifices necessary to achieve success, create a beautiful life for me and our children, and expose our children to other cultures. His hard work is truly commendable. To my husband, my life partner, I say, Honey, I affirm you, I thank you, I see you, I admire you, I appreciate you, and I love you!

My brother, Benji, is truly a wise, loving, caring, and gentle father. It’s so funny to see him as a father now because I remember us running around the neighborhood as scrappy little kids together. I am so very proud of the man he has grown to be. Seeing him grow and be a wonderful father has blessed my soul immensely. Benji, I love you, I am so proud of you, I believe in you, I appreciate you, and I love you!

My oldest child and my only son, Russ Jr. is a father to my precious grandson, Russ III, and my beautiful granddaughter, Leah. Seeing your children have children is unlike anything I could ever describe. I get so much joy in watching him provide for his family and play with his children. His oldest child is almost eight years old and it is still hard to believe that the little boy I carried and raised now has little ones of his own. Russ, Jr., watching you grow as a man, a husband, and a father is a gift that money could never buy. I am so proud of you, I love you, I see you, I hear you and I celebrate you!

In a cultural climate that often seeks to malign our men, we must uplift them and let them know how much they mean to us. The men who work tirelessly to love, care, and provide for their families deserve to be celebrated, not just on Father’s Day, but every day.

It is so important for us to remember how much the men in our life need to hear our words of affirmation. They need to hear us say “Thank you for taking care of that for me,” or “Thank you for hearing me and seeing me.” In taking the time to affirm the fathers we know and love, we are reminding them just how much they are loved, heard, seen, and appreciated. They need this just as much as we do, sis.

Sis, will you take some time today to uplift a dad who is doing a great job today? Not just your dad but other dads that you know as well. Tell or send him these words of affirmation:

“I see you.”

“I appreciate you.”

“I love you.”

“I am so proud of you.”

“Your/Our family is so blessed to have you.”

“You matter.”

“You are enough.”