(Provided photo — Deborah Martin)

As children, it’s safe to say that we all share a time in our lives when we overlooked or took for granted, the experiences afforded to us by our parents. Those of us who were fortunate enough to be raised in a healthy, caring environment tend to be more susceptible to this.

My sister and I were raised by two loving parents in the Adirondacks of New York state. We went on vacations to Cape Cod, Florida and other desirable locations on the East Coast. Our parents took us hiking, rock climbing, skiing, swimming, fishing and just about any other outdoor activity you can imagine takes place in the northeastern United States. My mother dedicated her life to serve the community in the public school system, impacting the lives of many children who were raised less fortunate than I. My father retired from National Grid after over 30 years, while maintaining a parallel career in the emergency medical field. In his spare time, he serves as a Life Flight paramedic/nurse and has saved countless lives. Needless to say, they both made every effort to raise my sister and me with strong moral values and lived their lives as an example.

Fast-forward to today: I am a retired U.S. Navy senior chief and have begun my next career as a government civilian employee. I am married to my amazing wife with two teenage children of our own who are doing well in school and have bright futures ahead of them. My sister is an attorney in the human rights field who is also living the American Dream with her husband in their new home that they share with their pleasantly spoiled dog and three cats. My successes in life can be directly tied to the mentoring received from my parents, and equally from the partnership and stability brought by my wife of 19 years.

As we celebrate Father’s Day this weekend, I wanted to share some perspective. For those who were not blessed with having a strong parental figure in your childhood, maybe there has been a strong mentor in your life who would be delighted to hear from you again. Either way, you may choose to ask yourself, as I have many times: Have I been a good enough son (or daughter)? Have I made enough effort to show my parents appreciation for all they have done for me and my family? Raising children is hard. Raising children to be successful in life is even harder. Personally, I would not be where I am today if not for the support of my parents and my wife. As a father, I can only hope to be as good an example for my kids, as my parents have been for me.

If you are reading this and think you might know him, you might find confirmation as he goes out on the lake for a morning row, staying fit and continuing to be a life example for me, my sister and the community. Please give him a wave and reduce your wake as you motor by. He would appreciate that.

Happy Father’s Day, Dad. Thanks for working with Mom to give us a good future. Thank you for always being an example.

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Ryan Martin lives in Sanford, Maine.