I am writing this column for June from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where my daughter Jill and her husband, Mark, live. They just welcomed their first baby ñ a beautiful baby girl named Collins Grace. Collins was born May 24, and weighed in at 7 pounds, 3.2 ounces and 19 inches. My husband, John, and I are here for the happy occasion, and we are so grateful for a healthy second granddaughter. Iíve talked about Collinsí cousin, Harper, who is 14 months old now and the daughter of our oldest daughter, Megan, and her husband, Jesse.Our family is pretty much female-dominated so far.John and I have three wonderful girls. When our babies were born, we were ecstatic with each one and thankful they were all healthy. However, in the early years, a thought used to cross my mind: Did John experience a twinge of disappointment that he didnít have a son.Today, I can say with resounding confidence: absolutely not.Fatherís Day is June 19, and I could not have asked for a better father to our daughters. I know that father-daughter bond is special. I have a dad, too. I once read that fathers were their daughtersí dress rehearsals for life.Dads are role models for all men; dads teach their girls what to expect from men; dads also set examples for how their daughters should be loved and treated by men.I remember the girlsí inviting John to their tea parties. I think that John has had his nails painted more than once.One time, the girls and I decided to host an Academy Awards party on Oscar night. We all dressed up, and we even had a red carpet. John wore a tuxedo and greeted our guests on that red carpet as they arrived. He was the perfect Oscar host.John has always been an enthusiastic participant in the lives of his daughters, and now he can be a role model for how our sons-in-law will be with their daughters.I once read a story about a little girl toddler who wandered away from her parents in a restaurant and walked up to a 6í5î 325 pound man, and started giggling and babbling. Within seconds, a young man equal in size to the stranger came around the corner er, and said, ìRachel, where did you go?î Rachelís dad smiled at the stranger and lovingly picked up Rachel high in the air and went out the door. According to the psychologist who wrote the article, which was about the influence dads have on daughters, Rachel had no qualms about approaching such a big man because he looked like her dad.Some studies have shown that girls with fathers who provide warmth and consistency achieve higher academic success. Girls who are close to their dads exhibit less anxiety.So, to all the dads out there, whether you have all daughters or all sons or both, take heart with the imprint you make on your children. Happy Fatherís Day!Enjoy the beginning of summer! See you in July.– Michelle
