John,

This Father’s Day, I’m reflecting on two of the great fathers I know: my dad, and my spouse, Jeff.

You’ve heard me talk about my own father before. He’s the reason why I work so hard, and why I know we can solve any problem with a little determination. He also taught me how important it is to make time for fun and mischief — like filming home movies or building Lego models.

It’s thanks to him I’m where I am today — and he set a high bar for the kind of caring and active father I’d want my own kids to have one day.

Luckily, I found that same fun-loving spirit in Jeff, who is the best dad to our three children.

As many of you know, there’s just nothing like being a parent. Parenting three children is such a joyful experience, but it doesn’t come without its challenges — helping multiple kids with science fair projects, conflicting extracurricular schedules, broken bones and broken curfews. It’s all par for the course, and there’s no one I’d rather navigate that with than Jeff.

In those early years, it was the two of us helping three kids with math homework, making sure the kids got to practice on time, and teaching three kids to drive. And Jeff, who loves the outdoors — maybe even more than I do! — was always ready to drop what he was doing and go outside and play when they were younger.

And now that our kids are older, he’s still there for them — except now it’s with a fishing rod or trying to get them to hike with him. We have the pleasure of getting to see them grow into adults and occasionally seek out our advice.

Jeff’s been a steady presence through each of those phases, including for me.

Jeff’s support and sense of humor have helped keep me grounded on some of the toughest days, especially while I was helping lead my county through the COVID-19 pandemic. Jeff always made sure there was a hot meal on the table when I’d come up for air from that work. It’s a small act, but it’s often those smallest acts of love that have the greatest impact and make us feel cared for.

That’s just who Jeff is, and who he’s been throughout my entire career and our relationship. When I was on call at the hospital and gone for hours on end, Jeff would take care of our home and family, allowing me to realize my dream of caring for others. When I went to Washington two days a week while working to pass the Affordable Care Act, I knew Jeff had things under control back in Pennsylvania. And, as I’ve served others as County Commission Chair, the loudest voice cheering me on is always his.

Jeff understands how important that work is to our communities, having served our community himself. He values serving our fellow Pennsylvanians and Americans, and he’s been a partner in instilling that sense of service in our three children.

I’m so grateful for him every day, and celebrate him today on Father’s Day. I hope you’ll take the time to thank the father figures in your own lives today. For those who may be missing their dad or grandfather, or a brother or uncle, I’m thinking of you today. I miss my dad, too.

Take care,

Val

Paid for by Val Arkoosh for U.S. Senate
Val Arkoosh for U.S. Senate
P.O. Box 627
Norristown, PA 19404
United States
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