Hi, everybody. This Sunday is Fathers Day, and so I wanted to take a moment to talk about the most important job many of us will ever have and thats being a dad.
Today were blessed to live in a world where technology allows us to connect instantly with just about anyone on the planet. But no matter how advanced we get, there will never be a substitute for the love and support and, most importantly, the presence of a parent in a childs life. And in many ways, thats uniquely true for fathers.
I never really knew my own father. I was raised by a single mom and two wonderful grandparents who made incredible sacrifices for me. And there are single parents all across the country who do a heroic job raising terrific kids. But I still wish I had a dad who was not only around, but involved; another role model to teach me what my mom did her best to instill values like hard work and integrity; responsibility and delayed gratification all the things that give a child the foundation to envision a brighter future for themselves.
Thats why I try every day to be for Michelle and my girls what my father was not for my mother and me. And Ive met plenty of other people dads and uncles and men without a family connection who are trying to break the cycle and give more of our young people a strong male role model.
Being a good parent whether youre gay or straight; a foster parent or a grandparent isnt easy. It demands your constant attention, frequent sacrifice, and a healthy dose of patience. And nobodys perfect. To this day, Im still figuring out how to be a better husband to my wife and father to my kids.
And I want to do what I can as President to encourage marriage and strong families. We should reform our child support laws to get more men working and engaged with their children. And my Administration will continue to work with the faith and other community organizations, as well as businesses, on a campaign to encourage strong parenting and fatherhood.
Because if theres one thing Ive learned along the way, its that all our personal successes shine a little less brightly if we fail at family. Thats what matters most. When I look back on my life, I wont be thinking about any particular legislation I passed or policy I promoted. Ill be thinking about Michelle, and the journey weve been on together. Ill be thinking about Sashas dance recitals and Malias tennis matches about the conversations weve had and the quiet moments weve shared. Ill be thinking about whether I did right by them, and whether they knew, every day, just how much they were loved.
Thats what I think being a father is all about. And if we can do our best to be a source of comfort and encouragement to our kids; if we can show them unconditional love and help them grow into the people they were meant to be; then we will have succeeded.
Happy Fathers Day to all the dads out there, and have a great weekend.
