Somewhere right now, a dad is sitting at a computer, ferociously crunching numbers, wondering what insurance will cover. 

Another is Googling the name of a disorder even doctors have trouble pronouncing.

One dad is preparing for an IEP meeting, so his daughter has all the resources she needs.

Another can’t get out of bed today, and the guilt from that weighs him down.

One dad is keeping a straight face and dry eyes, because he’s supposed to be “the strong one.”

Another is still trying to become a dad, fighting discrimination and red tape and paperwork at every corner.

One dad is dealing with an unimaginable loss, wondering how anyone recovers from this.

Another is missing his own dad,  figuring out how to live in a world without his guidance.

One dad is secretly searching for a therapist but is afraid everyone will think he’s “weak.”

Another appears to have it all together, but goes home and cries each evening.

One dad is doing it all on his own, and having trouble asking for help.

Another is feeling like he’s never going to be enough, even though he is.

These dads are in different time zones and countries.

Their skin is different colors, and they speak different languages.

But they have two things in common:

They love their families more than anything.

And they’re all just doing the best they can.

Here’s to you, dads. 

We love you.