Dear Dads,

The love and dedication a father gives to his family is unparalleled. You work hard every day to support and provide for your family, despite all the other issues – big or small – that are running through your head. At times it may feel as though the weight of the world is on your shoulders, but your shoulders remain strong enough to care for, love, teach, and raise your children. It’s a given that a child’s dad can be amazing, but we recognize that special needs dads are on their own level.

For your children with special needs, you’re more than a dad. You are a teacher, a builder, a fixer, an advocate, their biggest fan, and more. In current times, as we are all navigating through a global pandemic, your roles have been amplified. You’ve stepped in without hesitation to help with online schooling, keep things afloat among income changes, and help ease your child through this transition. We know you’re tired, frustrated, confused, scared, and might need a break. But, we also know that like the superhero you are in the eyes in your family, you won’t back down.

If you revisit the unique timeline you’ve shared with your children, it will become apparent that you persevered through days you didn't think you would get through. You’ve also celebrated a variety of milestones that may have once seemed so far out of reach. In your family, you wonder at and champion the special moments as “special” takes on new meaning. You don’t see a diagnosis, but rather your child. You’ve stepped up to the plate to do everything in your power to ensure your child with special needs has the opportunity for a wonderful life. While some dads spend their free time coaching little league teams, you volunteer yours to run to doctor and therapist appointments without complaint. Some children brag about receiving the newest, greatest toy. Your child lights up seeing you work to build adaptive equipment so they can be included. Your family and your child may have some standout circumstances, but they have a strong, motivating father leading the way. Being a special needs dad on Father’s Day means looking back at your unique journey, and looking ahead to see how far you can go because of your determination to keep the momentum moving forward.

Dads should be honored and recognized not only on Father’s Day, but all year. Your Father’s Day wish could be for some new sports equipment (like tennis shoes for the WAGS Wonder Run Virtual 5K); a day on the golf course (or registration for the Harry Buffalo golf outing on Sept. 20); a nice bottle of your favorite liquor; or something as simple as a new tie. Or, your wish for today – and every day – is for the safety and security of your child; fewer hospital and doctor visits; inclusion in all ways; or a simple “Thanks, Dad” or “I love you, Dad.” No matter what your wish may be, the ways in which you’ve invested in your time as a dad makes your children so truly fortunate and we hope you can recognize that as much as we do.

As life rolls on, you may feel alone, underappreciated, or down. We want you to know that is far from the truth and we are here for you. For 15 years we’ve admired the courage, strength, and steadfastness of fathers like you. We celebrate with you, we worry with you, and we stand by you. We are so proud to have amazing dads like you making up our W.A.G.S. 4 Kids Family Tree. We are thankful to have the opportunity to be invited into your lives and to become part of your family as well.

Happy Father’s Day!

Love,

W.A.G.S. 4 Kids