As young children we often idolized the most powerful and recognizable heroes we knew. We flew around like Superman, climbed like Spiderman and fought imaginary evil injustices like Batman. As young children, we knew what we wanted to be and poured our creativity into being just like our heroes in capes.

Now, as adults we can see those fictional heroes for what they were, a powerful representation of our very own protectors. Those protectors came in many forms, and one of those being our fathers. The men who worked tirelessly to support our needs and raise us to be the people who would do the same for our kids someday.

June is the month where we have a whole day to celebrate the men in our lives who have made that difference and helped shape us into the people we are today. Now, my father did not wear a cape, go by a secret identity, or fight crime. However, I know now that he has always been my hero. The man who was strong enough to fight off all my fears, yet gentle enough to wipe away all my tears.

There is a beautiful balance created by fathers and their role in our lives. Where our mother protects us from all that can harm, our fathers are teaching us to accept challenges, take risks and become independent thinkers. Fathers teach us how to be respectful and how to make certain we are respected.

Men’s mental health is a subject that has been popular, more now than ever before, yet still not talked about enough to remove some of the stigmas that society has created. Our fathers, husbands, brothers, and sons often suffer in silence when they are overwhelmed, depressed, suffering from anxiety or just experiencing any emotion outside the realm of what has been deemed “manly”. Men have shouldered the weight and pressure to always be in control and never show “weakness”. Be tough, be stoic, be strong, and never show vulnerability. To all our men, the heroes who don’t wear capes, we see you, we hear you, and we support you. Seek out comfort in someone you trust or a professional and know that there is no weakness in taking care of you, like you have taken care of us.

For all the men out there who have given so much to provide, guide and protect us, we share a heartfelt thank you and wish you the best Father’s Day.