These last few months have given me the opportunity to meet some pretty amazing people, and since yesterday was Father’s day I wanted to take a minute to speak specifically about one of them.

When most people think of single parents the first thought that probably comes to mind is single moms. Well, you would be amazed at the lengths that some single fathers go through to do all that they do also.

I had the chance to meet a single father to a very intelligent and beautiful 10 year old girl. From her poise and demeanor you would have sworn that this little princess was surely raised by a queen who passed on everything she knew to this little angel. I was completely floored when he explained to me some of the trials and tribulations he had been through to raise her since she was only six months old when her mother abandoned her. He described to me what it felt like to have to mature at the age of 22, and to be not only her provider and her protector, but to be the only parent around to nurture and care for her also. Just like being a single mother, he shared a lot of the same fears and held a lot of the same worries that we face as single women; to him it seemed like it was harder because in our society real men who step up to take care of their children all by themselves seems like something you would only find in movies, books or tall tales. Most of the help that is given out there is for single moms with children and not so much for single fathers with children.

She now lives comfortably in her plush condo with her father, and rocks nothing but the best designer clothes that money can buy. Her expensive taste in video games and electronics is fed by her father who is determined to give her the life that she deserves despite all of the obstacles he faced along the way (unemployment, homelessness, lack of available resources, and an unhelpful mother for his child).

He is a prime example that real men really do exists! He reminds me often that I am not crazy for requiring more from the man that helped father my daughter because it’s possible!

For my YSF PAPAS: Your hard work and dedication might not be recognized by a special hallmark card or any special day on the calendar, but you are recognized and very much admired. Because of real men like those of you who are so selfless to take on both roles you give women, like me, hope. Your dedication shows that not all men are the same and that some men are fully capable of growing up and putting the needs of their children before their own.

If you haven’t heard it lately: You are appreciated, strong, and more amazing that you could ever imagine!