The Father/Daughter Bond

Experts always stress the importance of a positive male influence when a boy is growing up. However, it is equally important for a girl to have a strong father figure in her formative years. It can shape her self-image, career path, and the way she deals with relationships in the future.

I was fortunate to have a father who was always engaged in my life. He was truly interested in learning about my day and always asked probing questions to make me think "outside the box". He always stressed to give your all, to take chances and to learn from your mistakes. He made me feel that I could achieve anything with hard work and some luck!

I always loved to look at my father's hands. They were the hands of an artist, a poet. Hands that sold lamps, boxed, wrote for a newspaper, gripped a golf club and caressed the people he loved. Hands that touched the lives of so many people.

This month, we honor our fathers. Take some time to reflect on some positive influences he has had in your life. Make sure you thank him if you can. And say a prayer of thanks if you can't.