With Father’s Day come and gone, I reflect on my past as well as focus on the future. I have two young children and every day after a long day of work (multiple jobs) my highlight is always the same: coming home to them and getting a hug at the door. Sometimes they even run out to the truck and greet me. It is the best feeling ever.

I became a father in 2015. I was so nervous and scared when it was time to cut the umbilical cord. Holding my son for the first time and looking into his eyes and hearing his cries quietly vanish as he reached for my finger and squeezed tight; that’s the first moment I truly felt like a father. Fast forward a decade and I reflect on the things he has done and accomplishments he has achieved. He is thriving in school, played multiple sports over the year, participated in the school choir and has developed a passion for building with Legos and Minecraft.

In the spring of 2021, my wife and I welcomed our second child. His birth was fast and right away, I knew he was the opposite of his older brother. By that I mean, while my oldest was quiet, enjoyed taking naps and enjoyed his bath time; the other … not so much. He was vocal, and clearly favored his mother. He is now five and has developed his own personality. He loves sports; he enjoys both playing sports and watching them. I came home from work one night and he was describing to me the final moments of the NBA Finals and was accurate with his description. He loves professional wrestling (just like his father). He wrapped up his T-ball season and was disappointed when he found out it was over. So was I.

Time flies. Each day is a new memory. Every day is one we can look at as Father’s Day. We just need to slow down and recognize – as well as cherish – the little moments.

Dennis D. Cruz is a staff reporter for The Oakdale Leader, The Riverbank News and The Escalon Times. He may be reached at drcruz@oakdaleleader.com or by calling 209-847-3021.