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As the title suggests, here I am.If my memory serves me correctly, I started this idea around last November, heading into early 2025. This was right around the time my podcast co-host—my brother, confidant, and my daughter’s godfather—and I came up with the idea for our podcast, Just Dads.To say 2025 was an interesting year would be a severe understatement. I went through every peak and valley of emotion: therapy sessions, cigar and bourbon sessions, family time, and everything in between.September is always an interesting month for me; school is back in full swing and it’s my birthday month, but this year specifically was a little "upside down." My now ex-wife and I officially filed for divorce. As much as I tried to flex that I wasn't affected, my outlook on life showed the complete opposite. I was on the up-and-up and suddenly fell back into a deep depression—to the point where it began affecting my work, and it was extremely noticeable. Sure, I tried my best to power through it and "move on," but the point is: it sucked.Eventually, I gave in. I ran out of options; I couldn't run from anything anymore. All else had failed. So, like any sensible person, I turned to faith. Looking back now, I was so tossed around in a washing machine of emotions that faith should have been the first thing I reached for—but we live, we learn, and we move forward with that experience.Now, I’m not trying to be a hardcore "Bible thumper," claiming to be reborn and shoving it down people’s throats. I grew up in a Baptist church and attended private school—Monday through Friday and every Sunday, I was at church. We used to live in North Miami and the church was in Miami Lakes; for the locals, you know that isn’t a short drive. As I got older and wanted to experience a Sunday without church, I looked forward to it, and eventually, that became my norm.Full circle many years later: I am now attending the very church I used to be forced to go to every week. I remember the first full service I attended by myself. I remember listening to the worship music and just starting to cry. Not one of those "ugly cries," but one of those nonchalant "thug cries." I felt like I finally found the peace I needed to quiet the noise of my situation.Here I am, a few months removed from that moment. I attend church every other week when my daughter is with her mother, and the progress my life has made since has been astronomical. Can I say that I’m fully "happy" or back to normal? I can't truly say I’m 100% yet, but I can stand "ten toes down" and confidently say that I have never been so excited to look ahead at where my life is going.As I write this, I can't fully express how excited I am to officially get this off the ground. I have the next couple of social media posts ready to begin building the brand and truly offering support for those in need. Anybody can make a website or offer support—and I’m grateful for those who do—but unless you have lived this situation, you can't understand how hard it is. Had I known better or corrected my mistakes sooner, none of this would be here.So, if you’re new here—new to single fatherhood—trust me when I tell you: it’s going to suck. It’s going to look like it’s never going to get better. But as someone who is living it with you:IT IS GOING TO GET BETTER.<figure id="figure-jndenqmpoamkufvu9p"><img id="jndenqmpoamkufvu9p" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/34xTvEjU0amKLas0q0HbKFbHSUKJvJBX0XmgLts9w4u6Z6NXuc6oG8NyvnJCaIzx.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 50% 25%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="My #1" data-positionX="50%" data-positionY="25%" data-fullWidth="false"/><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">My #1</figcaption></figure>

Where I'm at now

<h2>Here's my story</h2>Hi there, my name is Andres Valarezo, and I am the owner and founder of Last November. This project began with the goal of providing resources for newly single dads who love being fathers but are unsure where to start during the transition to single parenthood.Before I continue, I want to clarify that this isn't about casting blame on anyone. It's about sharing my personal struggles and how I've been able to move forward in life, even as I'm still on the journey of finding myself.As the title suggests, November 2023 marked a significant change in my life. I found myself in a very dark emotional place, and events unfolded more quickly than I could process. The one constant in my life, the unwavering source of strength, has been my daughter. She means everything to me, and I knew I had to be strong for her; I couldn't let her down.Moving on has been incredibly challenging for me personally. For a long time, I felt like a burden and was reluctant to share my problems with my support system. However, my friends and family have been tremendous—they have stood by me without any judgment and continue to offer their support.As men, it can be hard to ask for help, coming from personal experience, having to face this new life comes with its challenges and can be incredibly difficult to navigate, especially when it feels like your life is falling apart. Our primary goal is to provide support, assistance will always be available when you need it the most.<figure id="figure-eh2wo3jf7m90d7am0" class=""><img id="eh2wo3jf7m90d7am0" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2d8ipAR9rPZKgLbQOCtY0BGmiytY0QlVe6noLXGsqHsubx5mLBA4WG7MtTgqAkYn.jpeg" alt="single dad support" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/2d8ipAR9rPZKgLbQOCtY0BGmiytY0QlVe6noLXGsqHsubx5mLBA4WG7MtTgqAkYn.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>Access to Parenting Resources</h2>There are countless resources available designed specifically for single dads. From books and podcasts to websites and blogs, these materials offer guidance on various aspects of parenting, from discipline to education. Some highly recommended books include "The Single Father: A Dad's Guide to Parenting Without a Partner" by Armin A. Brott and "The Complete Single Father" by Elaine Fantle Shimberg.Podcasts are another excellent resource, providing insights and stories from fellow single dads and experts in the field. Listening during your commute or while doing household chores can be a convenient way to gain new perspectives on parenting.<figure id="figure-x06mpy384dm90d7foo" class=""><img id="x06mpy384dm90d7foo" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/13Obz07lrDYRmPl879orPJ92tQ8Jjvf4ncOyim8rm5FqHU0tIHyEtdVOL5L7rDuu.jpeg" alt="parenting resources" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1414877808/photo/father-working-with-his-daughter-using-laptop-and-mobile-phone-at-home.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=fzJWuVHQf-GkNAY9R7Fbx2SMbSG70e5FwltdlN1pgGs=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>Balancing Work and Family Life</h2>Juggling work responsibilities while raising children alone is no easy task. Time management becomes crucial as you strive to meet the needs of your family while fulfilling professional obligations. Flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or adjustable hours, can provide the balance needed to manage both worlds effectively.Communicate openly with your employer about your situation. Many companies are willing to accommodate employees who are single parents by offering more flexible schedules or remote work options. This flexibility can significantly reduce stress and allow you to be more present both at work and at home.<figure id="figure-zhnq9n4g2m90d7lmp"><img id="zhnq9n4g2m90d7lmp" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/3bkvigHuSMCjx4YQmvOUQrsWEq0lHFJGz0mmkuFNpUbs0XioRaXz0aI6n8BOWrSu.jpeg" alt="work life balance" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/3bkvigHuSMCjx4YQmvOUQrsWEq0lHFJGz0mmkuFNpUbs0XioRaXz0aI6n8BOWrSu.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>Emotional Well-being and Self-Care</h3>Taking care of your emotional well-being is vital for being the best parent you can be. It's important to carve out time for yourself, whether through hobbies, exercise, or simply relaxing. Self-care is not a luxury but a necessity that enables you to recharge and be more effective in your parenting role.Mindfulness practices such as meditation or yoga can help reduce stress and improve your overall mental health. Seeking out counseling or therapy can also provide a safe space to express feelings and gain professional support in managing the unique challenges of single parenthood.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-u23icc5qlam90d7pof"><img id="u23icc5qlam90d7pof" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/5WtfIDuugDVtEf6YypKZI6kI9VWmT5lx3R7zwZVm6kNP2wfrjJBO3uIQRrtqHvnu.jpeg" alt="self care dad" title="self care dad" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/5WtfIDuugDVtEf6YypKZI6kI9VWmT5lx3R7zwZVm6kNP2wfrjJBO3uIQRrtqHvnu.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>

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Where I'm at now

Creating Connections: Essential Resources for Single Dads