Name: Stephen Wilcox | City: Fresno | Instagram: @mrwilcox__

What does being a father mean to you?

Fatherhood to me means being consistent. Leading my daughter to be a strong woman, leading her to be a woman of faith, and leading her to understand that she too will be a leader some day. providing the things I didn’t have for my daughter so she never wants, but also protecting her from the dangers life throws at us each and every day.

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

My father was very inconsistent. It was hard to establish a relationship because of the things he and my mother went through together. From the age of 2-21 he was in and out of my life and I never knew why he couldn’t stay. I know some of the challenges he faced weren’t his fault. As I got older I chose to forgive him. I forgave him for myself. Because of my experience as a child I never wanna be inconvenient. No matter what’s happening my daughter is always first.

What things did you take from your experience growing up into your own fatherhood journey?

I’ve learned to never let time, distance or distractions get in the way of bonding with my daughter. I’ve learned that she is very impressionable at her young age and every thing I do she’s soaking it in.

Have you had any obstacles on your fatherhood journey?

Two years into fatherhood and everything has been pretty good.

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

Be patient, listen and listen well.

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

Dear father, because of you I am the man I am today. There are many things I’ve learned from you, both good and bad. As my own man now I can say thank you. If you do not know I forgive you and as we both get older I want us to continue to work on our relationship. Being your son is a great role to have because I get to learn from you and pass down what I learn to my daughter and future children.

Name 5 fathers you cosign.