Relationships with immigrant dads can be fraught and complicated. I know mine has been in the past, but today I want to acknowledge his journey, and those like him, with compassion and gratitude. >>

Happy Father's Day to the immigrant Papas who moved across the world to plant roots in an unknown land. The ones who didn't have a roadmap and are trying their best. The ones who never looked back in order to create a life where we can intentionally make choices they never had.

Happy Father's Day to the immigrant Papas who became fathers at the same age we are still exploring what we want. The ones who were parenting themselves as they were learning to parent us. The ones learning to be fathers without their fathers to guide them.

Happy Father's Day to the immigrant Papas who get made fun of for their accent. The ones who didn't understand our teenage angst & never showed their pain when we may have wished they were more Western. The ones never taught self-expression but who've tried to understand ours.

Happy Father's Day to the immigrant Papas who never showed their struggle b/c of what they were taught it means to be a man. The ones who internalized feelings because they were never told it's OK to ask for help or express emotions. The ones who think they have to do it alone.

Happy Father's Day to the immigrant Papas who are trying to navigate an open & more healthy relationship with their kids even though they may not have had that with their own parents. The ones who may sometimes grasp at control because they feel so out of their element.

Happy Father's Day to the immigrant Papas who may have never explored their own passions because their only dream has been that we are provided for. The ones who never felt like they did enough even though our whole worlds exist because of them.

Happy Father's Day to the immigrant Papas whose love was never expressed verbally but rather shown. The ones who always ask if we need anything, anything at all. The ones who always want us to be safe, comfortable & secure. We see you & appreciate you.