In honor of this Father's Day, I am moved by the impact a Father has on the life of his daughter. As a coach and facilitator for the past 10 years, I have seen first hand how a woman's relationship with her Dad influences every aspect of her life. John Mayer sings it well: "Fathers, be good to your daughters, Daughters will love like you do."
My hope is this letter inspires all fathers and fathers-to-be to call yourselves forward and realize the role you play in our life. This letter is to truly celebrate what is possible between fathers and daughters -- no matter what age she is.
It is never too late or too early to begin a loving relationship.
Daughters, if your father was not the Dad you wished he would be, I am sorry. You have my compassion. Take in the words of this letter and know you are so worthy and deserving. Trust you will discover great healing when you forgive and then create what you may not have had.
Do this by only being with men with generous hearts who value fathering your children and the children of the world. And by raising your sons with the strength of heart that will inspire him to be a great man and a great father.
Dear Fathers of the World,
You are the first man that I ever loved. You are my hero. Your arms were the first place where I felt so safe and protected.
The smile that comes upon your face when you see me makes me feel so cherished and adored.
Thank you for listening. Being able to be share with you and show you my vulnerability has been so important for my development as a woman. You have known when to offer me advice and when simply to wipe my tears.
Thank you for working hard to provide for me and our family. It has provided me with a sense of security that has propelled me in creating a fulfilling foundation for my own life.
Thank you for accepting me for who I am. Your unconditional support of my gifts and my quirks has supported me in knowing who I truly am. Loving encouragement from you has been the wind beneath my wings.
Thank you for showing me your softer side. I know you are strong and protect me, but I also love when you show me your tears. When you reveal your emotions I feel so special and close to you.
Thank you for your time. Seeing you at my games, recitals, graduations, and at home for dinner made me feel like a priority in your life.
Thank you for always telling me to take a sweater and be careful. Even though it was annoying, I knew it was your way of saying, "I want you to feel comfortable and safe." And thank you for interrogating every boy who came over. Even though it was so embarrassing, I knew it was your way of saying, "You mean the world to me."
Thank you for being my teacher. You taught me how to ride a bike, throw a ball, open a checking account, and change a tire (or better yet gave me my first AAA card).
Thank you for not cheating. Your loyalty has helped me to be able to trust men and be drawn to healthy, loving relationships.
Thank you for being honest. I look up to you and respect your integrity. And your strong character has inspired me to value and honor myself.
Thank you for being a loving shoulder to cry on when my heart has gotten broken and a hand to high five to celebrate when I achieved a dream.
Thank you for giving me advice when I've needed to negotiate a deal, sign a lease, or take a leap of faith. Your wisdom is gold to me.
Most of all thank you Dad for being you. I know you that you are my Father but you are also a human being, on your own path and learning your own lessons. Even if you have not done all these things, I know in my heart you have been the perfect Father for me for you have taught me the life lessons I need to learn.
No matter what I will always love you.
And no matter how old I am, I will always be your little girl.
Happy Father's Day.
With love,
Your daughter
This is dedicated to my Dad, Patrick. I love you.