The Little Blind Girl and Her Father - What Did She See and Why?

“When a father gives his daughter an emotional visa to strike out on her own, he is always with her. Such a daughter has her encouraging, understanding daddy in her head, cheering her on—not simply as a woman but as a whole, unique human being with unlimited possibilities.” -Victoria Secunda 

I read a story a few years ago that powerfully touched my heart.  I would like to share it with you in hopes you will see the lesson it can teach us about the importance of fathers who care and who build trust and relationship with their children from birth until death:

A beautiful little blind girl was sitting on the lap of her father in a crowded compartment in a train. A friend seated nearby said to the father, "Let me give you a little rest," and he reached over and took the little girl on his lap.

A few moments later the father said to her, "Do you know who is holding you?"

"No," she replied, "but you do."

The little girl knew she was safe because she knew her father knew who was holding her.

Some may say, "What perfect trust this child had in her father." Others might say, "The little girl is an incredible example of blind faith."

Was it remarkable or just the natural result of years of consistent “positive parenting”?

I think perhaps the most important question which each father who reads this story should ask is, “What am I doing to create such a positive balance in my relationship account with my child that she/he would have similar trust, faith and love?”

Many of us...have come to believe that asking one’s self the question , “Am I a good father?” represents one of the most widespread and important acts of ethical self-reflection among men—Alan C. Hawkins, Ph.D. and David C. Dollahite, Ph.D.

Comments

[Mark Hartnett]

Great story John A. Reflecting on our role as a father is very important in the process of achieving excellence.

[Deepti Gujar]

‎"We need to teach our daughters to distinguish between a man who flatters her - and a man who compliments her. A man who spends money on her - and a man who invests in her. A man who views her as property - and a man who views her properly. A man who lusts after her - and a man who loves her. A man who believes he is God's gift to women - and a man who remembers a woman was God's gift to man...And then teach our boys to be that kind of a man." - unknown.