Two Years Apart, One Goal: How Gabriel Is Preparing to Be a Dad Again

By Cameron Buzzell

Gabriel hasn’t spoken to his three daughters in two years. Everything he’s doing now is about changing that.

His favorite memories as a dad are the simple ones – watching movies with his girls, just being together. That goal – reuniting with them – is what brought him to IronBond.

Preparing for the Father He Wants to Be

When Gabriel learned about IronBond, the parenting component immediately stood out – a chance to prepare for the reunion he’s working toward.

Gabriel came into IronBond wanting to develop stronger parenting skills. He recognized that some of his own experiences growing up had influenced the way he approached parenting.

Having been raised by an overprotective mother, Gabriel saw some of those same tendencies in himself. His years working in law enforcement also contributed to an approach that could sometimes be very structured and “by the book.” Through IronBond, he became more open to looking at parenting and relationships from perspectives beyond the ones he had relied on before.

Learning the Strength in Vulnerability

Parenting drew Gabriel to the program. What he didn’t expect was how much he’d learn about opening up.

For most of his life, Gabriel kept things to himself and hid what he was feeling. The classes gave him a place to practice – talking, listening, letting people in. He also credited the staff and the way the classes were structured with making the experience a positive one.

That’s something he’ll carry into every relationship – not just with his daughters. It’s why he thinks the program isn’t just for dads:

“You don’t have to be a parent. You can apply it in any relationship.”

A Journey Still Unfolding

When asked to describe his IronBond experience in just three words, Gabriel chose: Empowering. Educational. Inspiring.

Those words reflect a journey that is still unfolding.

Gabriel hasn’t yet seen what his growth will mean for his relationship with his daughters. His focus is on what comes next: continuing to work on himself and preparing for the chance to reconnect.

His goal for the next year is the same one that brought him here: to reunite with his daughters and begin making up for lost time.

Building for What Comes Next

Gabriel’s experience is a reminder that strengthening fatherhood doesn’t always begin when a father is sitting beside his children.

Sometimes it begins earlier – with a father deciding to work on himself, challenge old patterns, become more vulnerable, learn new skills, and build the foundation he hopes his family will one day be able to stand on with him.

His IronBond journey isn’t finished. It’s helping him prepare for the next chapter.

And for Gabriel, that next chapter has three very important people at the center of it: his daughters.

About IronBond

IronBond, an initiative of PAIRS Foundation, supports fathers and father figures in building stronger relationships, creating greater stability, and strengthening their connections with their children and families. The program provides relationship and parenting education along with financial literacy, workforce development, and connections to community resources.

Learn more: www.ironbonds.org.

The production of this material was supported by Grant 90ZJ009701 from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families (ACF). Its content is solely the responsibility of PAIRS Foundation and does not necessarily represent the official views of ACF.