Daddy's Girl

Friends of mine had a baby this week - a little girl. Mike is a wonderful dad already to his little boy, but the birth of the baby girl made me think about the importance of the relationship between a dad and a daughter. My relationship with my father will always be a very important one for me, one that shaped me in many significant ways.

• My dad didn't require a lot of sleep, and in the early hours of the morning I would always find him reading in his red leather chair. He'd always welcome me up on his lap and we would sit together, sometimes for hours, until the rest of the family woke and came downstairs.

• Living in California, it was natural that we were taught to swim at an early age. By the time I was two or three I was a competent swimmer, and one of my favorite things was to challenge Dad to a race. He was a powerful swimmer, with an amazing kick that left a wake like a motorboat. I always swam my heart out but never, ever, beat him.

• We'd go to our beach house at Stinson Beach on the weekends, and Dad would frequently make pancakes for the family. He'd make what seemed like thousands of half-dollar sized pancakes, and we could eat as many as we wanted. He made the mornings so festive and fun!

• At Stinson one time - I think I was about 8 - one of the neighbor boys and I found an inflatable boat on the shore and took it out into the bay between Bolinas and Stinson. We thought we were very cool, and were having fun when out of nowhere Dad came swimming toward us and hauled us back to shore. We had no idea that the tide was going out and taking us with it. Dad was so exhausted and upset he couldn't even speak.

• On our thirteenth birthday, Dad took each of us out to a special dinner at the fanciest restaurant in San Francisco. I remember it so well! We had caviar (which I hated) and I had a Shirley Temple. I made him promise that he wouldn't tell the waiters it was my birthday, because I wanted to seem to be grown up and on a date! I remember I was wearing Mary Janes, and he let me take off my socks and turn the strap around so it seemed as though I was wearing stockings and pumps.

• Probably about ten years ago my grandmother gave me a box of letters Dad had written to the family from the time he went to college through his years in the Army. What interesting letters they are, and how grateful I am to be able to know him better by reading his words.

These are just a few of my happy memories of my Dad. But he gave me a real sense of my value and my intelligence and it was clear how much he loved me. What a strong and positive legacy! So, Mike, never forget how special a bond dads and daughters have. Your place in her life is more than a lifelong bond. Congratulations.