Mrs. Meeker,
I must admit that I was not that excited to read the book when I first saw it Christmas morning. I read the first chapter that afternoon and set it down. I picked it up a day and a half ago and couldn’t sleep, and couldn’t put it down. I finished it early this morning and will read it again and again.
I grew up with a very distorted view of family relationships because my father was not around and my mother did not deal with that well. I am not blaming, I have made choices-good and bad- that have brought me here. I am 35 years old and have been married to the most amazing woman for eight years. Today our only child, a daughter, is 14 months. My wife is the oldest girl in her family and has the most special relationship with her dad, who gave me the book. I respect that relationship now more than ever. I was enthralled with the simplicity with which you presented certain aspects of girls growing up. I was also overwhelmed with the enormity of the task of raising a healthy, humble, kind and well adjusted young woman. But because of your book I look forward to the challenge and will value my work in the home above all. I feel I was energized about my role as a father to a very endearing little girl already but the things you talk about in Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters have galvanized a resolve in me to do as you recommend.
Your book has opened my eyes as well as narrowed them. What I mean is this: I feel a lot more suspicious of the influences that my Lucy will face and while I know that I won’t win every battle with her or the world at least she will know that I love her no matter what and that I will fight for her no matter what. Thank you for saying what needed to be said. Thank you for being honest about what families really need.
From one good dad to one good daughter I thank you and hope that God may bless you.
JR Campbell
