Name: Fabiene Boone | City: New York | Instagram: @mr_fabo_

What does being a father mean to you?

Being a Father means unconditionally loving your child/children. Being more than a provider, but a governor to your child/children. Someone who they can depend on no matter the circumstance. You sacrifice yourself for their well being. Being the gateway between them and the real world, preparing them to be apart of it one day. Fatherhood is the greatest gift a man can be given and should never be taken for granted.Describe your experience with your father growing up and how that impacted you today.

Describe your experience with your father growing up and how that impacted you today.

I have no experience with my father, because I never met him. Life without a father taught me to make sure that I show my child all the love and more that I never got.

Have you had any obstacles on your fatherhood journey? If so, explain.

I have had many obstacles throughout my fatherhood journey. I became a father at 18, during my senior year of high school right before I went to play football in college. During that time there were numerous obstacles, whether that was financially or the growing pains of trying to learn to be a man and a father at the same time. Another obstacle was that I am currently in, was making the decision to move to a different state than my child. Not being there to see her grow up and help her through her own journey daily has been something I struggle with to this day.

What advice would you give others new on their fatherhood journey?

Your child comes first. Everyone and everything comes second and then on. Love them. Teach them everything that you were taught and especially teach them everything you wish you were taught. Don’t be afraid to let them struggle and use those moments as opportunities to build their character. Failure is not the end all be all. Failure is the opportunity to grow and get better, for yourself and your child.

If you wanted to write a quick note to your father, starting with “Dear Father,” what would it be?

Dear person, Thank you.

Name 5 fathers you cosign.