Every year, when Father’s Day comes up, I think back to what really matters in a family. It’s not the big presents or extravagant plans — it’s the routines we follow together and the feeling of stability. This holiday is a moment to appreciate that we’re all here, healthy, and connected.

This year, I decided to repair the fence in our yard with the kids instead of booking a restaurant or a trip. We sanded down the wooden boards, chose a new color of paint, and turned it into a small team project. There’s something about putting in physical labor side by side that brings us closer — much more than sitting in a cinema or a restaurant.

While we were busy with repairs, we also found time to talk — about their plans after graduation, about their growing independence, and about worries I hadn’t noticed previously. This kind of dialogue happens naturally when we’re engaged in something purposeful together.

Instead of looking for a grand celebration, I’m choosing this small, constructive way to connect. It’s a moment that lets me appreciate both the process and the people I care about — a tradition that I hope my children will carry forward in their own families.