Kim (Koepke) Downey @MrsKimDowney - Twitter Profile

I want to tell you wonderful dads of daughters something. It’s a bit niche but I hope so much it will bless and encourage you. I have worked and continue to work with women of all ages for 40 years, elementary school girls to women in their 80s and 90s. It has been the privilege of my life. And here is what I can tell you based on my experience and observation. Nothing has a greater impact on a little girl regarding her passage into adulthood than a dad who loves her unconditionally, who sees far beyond her external appearance to the truest beauty and strength within her, WHO DOES NOT COMMENT ON HER WEIGHT OR POLICE HER EATING, with whom she is utterly safe in every way, who laughs with her and really sees her, who fights hypocrisy and let’s her have the unspeakable gift of trust that he is the same no matter where he is or what he is doing, who shows up and is there (never let anyone convince you that it’s just about quality time), Who shows her compassion when she’s down and does not burst her bubble when she’s up. who does not just show her love but also puts it into words AND not only puts it into words but also shows her. Perfect parenting is a myth. In my view, even the fab parenting on Instagram is a damaging myth. By the grace of God, however, loving in word and deed is not a myth. And being the same person at home and in public is not a myth. Untold numbers of us would have given anything to have had a dad like many of you and not having one had serious repercussions. I could see along the way how different women were who had a stable, loving father. And such are many of you. So I celebrate you loving dads of daughters today. Daughters can be quite the ride but a good dad will be a gift to her every day of her life and long after you are gone. Bless you, daughter-dad! And happy Father’s Day!

140

3K

212

312

263K