Showing your son how to tie a tie for the first time.  Attending your daughter’s piano recital in spite of a busy schedule.  Cheering on your son in the school spelling bee for which you spent hours helping him practice.  Helping your daughter put the finishing touches on her award-winning science project.  Reading a book to help your little girl fall asleep.  Turning the cell phone off for a couple of hours to help your son with his jump shot.  That first family trip to the beach.  Taking the time to learn what this game “Fortnite” is all about.  These are some of the “fatherhood moments” that happen each and every day.  They might seem small, but they mean a great deal to our kids.  This Father’s Day, Dads, let’s remember to take more time away from our busy careers, personal commitments, or hectic campaigns and create some new fatherhood memories with our children.  These special moments of affection will help shape their character and teach our sons to be better fathers to their future sons and daughters.

Every child deserves a great father (or father-figure) in their lives.  I believe fatherhood is still an essential element of our family.  To all of the fathers and father-figures, including my outstanding father, Dr. James A. Franklin Sr., a retired school superintendent, I wish you a Happy Father’s Day.  We have a lot of work to do.  Our families and communities are counting on us.