For our June issue, we interviewed several fathers from our community and asked them what it means to be a father. We also asked what fatherly advice they would give to our readers. Below are their answers

Charlie Gonzales

Charlie Gonzales, Questa: Charlie is the father to five children, Charlene, LeRoy, Daniel, Rebecca, and Juan Carlos. He has 16 grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

What does it mean to be a father?
Being a Father has been the most important job for me, it means loving each and every one of my five children unconditionally. No matter how old I am, I will always be there for my children (my family). I strive to love them and care for them in the best way I can. Being a Father for me, means setting a good example for them to follow by being respectful to everyone. I have been blessed by God to be a Father and I take my responsibility very seriously. Being a Father to my five children has been a special privilege, and they mean everything to me.

What fatherly advice would you give to our readers?
Take responsibility seriously. Understand the impact you make on your children. Give more time to your children because they grow up too quick. Love your children and show them affection. Always empower your children to be the best they can be in their future.

Felimon Rael

Felimon Rael, Questa, NM: Felimon Rael is a retired Deacon. He is father to Jayleen, Edwin, John, and Peter. He is grandfather to Ashley, Dustin, Jenise, Serena, Patrice, and Selena. He is also a great grandfather to Liam, Emy, Pancho, Micorazon, and Cristo.

What does it mean to be a father?
To be a father is to acknowledge that our children are a gift from God. They are to be loved and cherished. When you hold your little boy or little girl on your lap and tell them “you’re my baby and I will always be there for you.” They will return the love with kindness and respect as they grow.

What fatherly advice would you give to our readers?
Lead you children by your example. Teach them to do good. Make sure when they go through situations that they will grow and learn from it. There will be good times and hard times but they come as lessons in life. Just remember to try not to use a harsh tone of scolding but rather of compassion and encouragement. There are going to be situations where kids will have to make choices when it comes to drinking, smoking or doing drugs. Always remember as a father what kind of temptations you fell into growing up and reflect on your own life and what changes you made to make your life better. Do not be ashamed of your testimony to God. Don’t use these things in front of them because remember that you are their father and you are who they always look up to as you lead by example. Life can be lived to the fullest when you follow Christ. Always pray for your children and give them your blessing. Let them know that our Heavenly Father in Heaven will always help them.

Jerry Hogrefe

Jerry Hogrefe, Red River, NM: Jerry Hogrefe is the proud father of his son, Joel and grandfather of 4-year-old SJ and 1 year-old SI.

What does it mean to be a father?
Having the rank and title of father has been the highlight of my life. I am proud to be called son, husband, dad and now, Pawpa. A father is their child’s protector, their teacher, their provider, and their friend. Not on our own, however, because as the saying goes, “it takes a village to raise a child.” A father should also honor and praise their mother for bringing their child into this world and their wife who blessed them with children.

What fatherly advice would you give to our readers?
The best advice I can give was passed to me a long time ago. I was told “Jerry, when your son screws up or does something you don’t like or approve of, and they will, just step up and ‘Hug them Harder.’ God forbid your last interaction is a harsh or regretful one. Life is limited and you just don’t know when yours or their time will be up.”