We’ve known for years now that fatherhood is of supreme importance to President Obama. From the message he delivered in church, to the public service announcements to the essays, Obama wants to encourage men to be an active part of their children’s lives.

Undoubtedly his passion for the subject stems from his experiences with his own father, who left he and his mother when he was two years old.

The president expressed these sentiments in a Father’s Day essay for People Magazine.

I grew up without a father around. I have certain memories of him taking me to my first jazz concert and giving me my first basketball as a Christmas present. But he left when I was two years old.

And even though my sister and I were lucky enough to be raised by a wonderful mother and caring grandparents, I always felt his absence and wondered what it would have been like if he had been a greater presence in my life. I still do. It is perhaps for this reason that fatherhood is so important to me, and why I’ve tried so hard to be there for my own children.

Does your motivation to be a good parent stem from your own parents’ shortcomings?

You can read a bit more of the essay at People.com.