Rumile Arana’s Journey of Love, Co-Parenting, and Community

For the past several weeks, we’ve explored the many faces of fatherhood, men who lead with compassion and show up with intention. For our final story, we turn to a familiar face. Rumile Arana has offered valuable financial advice to many, and we’ve also featured his work mentoring young people in the community. But this time, we get a more personal perspective as he shares what fatherhood means to him, raising two boys and navigating co-parenting with presence and purpose. Here’s this week’s look on the Bright Side.

 

Sabreena Daly, Reporting

Rumile Arana is the person you’d turn to for breaking down complex numbers or offering financial advice. But when it comes to fatherhood, something completely different, and far more intimidating, laid before him eight years ago.

 

Rumile Arana, Father

“It was a nerve-wracking time because I didn’t know what I could be or what I should be, what kind of father that I wanted to be. There’s billions of thoughts going through your mind, but you just have to embrace it and you just have to try your best on a day-to-day basis.”

 

As I sat down with fathers this month, I learned that this is a common thought they each share as they reflected on preparation of fatherhood. And while some look to the guidance that they received from their own fathers, some look to mentors, people who have done it all before.

 

Rumile Arana

“And luckily, I was one of the last people in my friend group to have a child. So they kind of gave me tips and pointed me along the way. But the one thing that I remembered is I think my cousin had told me that not every day is going to be perfect. You just have to try your best to make sure that your children are all right and don’t be scared to discipline them because they’re still going to love you. And there were times that I thought that they would hold something against me and then they hug me and go to bed and say good night, daddy. And I thought to myself, all right, I think we’re okay.”

 

Rumile became a father for the first time eight years ago, when Kai was born. With less than a decade together, his reflections already speak volumes about the impact a father can have. He shares what his dad means to him and why fathers matter.

 

Sabreena Daly

“Why do you think dads are important?”

 

Kai Arana, Son

“Because they defend us. They help us with our homework and they’re special to us.”

 

Sabreena Daly

“Why do you think dads are special?”

Kai Arana

“Because every time we feel sad, they help us.”

 

His younger son, also named Rumile, isn’t big on words, but his presence says a lot. And that, Arana reflects, is part of the uniqueness of fatherhood. It’s about tuning in, embracing each child’s individuality, and learning how love and connection can show up in different forms.

 

Rumile Arana, Father

“Kai was always the talker. So he would try to be the person that’s influencing me or try to negotiate with me. But Ramile is the thinker. He will devise the plan. So I always said to myself, I’m in trouble because we have one that’s going to devise the plan and we have the other that’s going to enact it. So those are my two that I have right there.”

 

And it’s not just his own sons that Rumile is committed to. Through basketball, he’s created a space where other children can feel safe, seen, and supported, especially those who may not have strong father figures in their lives.

 

Rumile Arana, Father

“So I realized that a lot of these children don’t have a safe space and they don’t have that guidance or someone to look to. So I tried to use sports, not only to help them become skilled basketball players, but I wanted them to understand that they have people that they can look to for guidance if they need it because a lot of youth don’t have it.”

 

One of the most meaningful aspects of Rumile’s story is his openness in talking about co-parenting, a dynamic many parents navigate but don’t often speak about openly. Arana acknowledged that while it comes with its challenges, the key is keeping the child at the center of every decision, ensuring their well-being remains the shared priority.

 

Rumile Arana,

“Co-parenting is a difficult task. I’ve had very hard days and I’ve had better days, but again, you have to try to stay focused on what’s really important for the child. And it might be a little bit difficult because, again, you’re not there all the time. So you have that arrangement where, okay, I get my child on the weekend or I get my child during the week, however you could agree to.”

 

What we learned is that, in the end, fatherhood isn’t about perfection, it’s about showing up. Children want to feel safe, supported, and deeply loved. And if you’re ever unsure how you’re doing, just ask. Sometimes the most honest feedback comes from the ones who matter most.

 

Sabreena Daly
“Why do you love your dad?”

Kai Arana

“Because he’s my hero.”

 

Looking on the Bright Side, I’m Sabreena Daly.