On Easter Sunday, 2002, I dedicated an outdoor garden chapel that I designed for Daddy. It has a bronze plaque that says:

This outdoor chapel
is dedicated in memory of
William E. McLaughlin II
1923–1982
Ephesians 6:1–3 “. . . honor your father and mother.”
Easter 2002

This book honors fathers around the world. From the countryside of Romania, to the fashion industry of New York and Italy, to the farm fields in rural Tennessee and Kentucky, fathers are instrumental in the shaping of our morals and values.

"Not a day goes by, that I don't think of my dad…." Over the past two years that I have been working on this book, I have heard those words many times. Women's voices would rise two octaves as women would start talking about their fathers. Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, her voice low at first when I called her in her Supreme Court chamber about my project, rose and softened when I explained that I was gathering stories about fathers. "I still want to talk to him," she said. My short conversations with women would often turn into an hour call. We would end with them saying, "I can think of so many things to write. Thank you for asking me."

My inspiration for this book came during a National Prayer Breakfast, an event at which President Bush was introducing then National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice. I had always admired Condi's stature, intelligence, and poise. At the end of the introduction, the President said, "Condi, your father would be proud of you". At that moment, this stoic woman could barely contain her emotion…..I instantly thought of my dad and felt the same way.

Later that month I observed Jenna Bush at the White House arriving late to a small dinner for the King of Spain. Her father, President George W. Bush, at first seemingly annoyed that she was late, took one look at Jenna as she hurriedly slipped into the room and absolutely melted. He broke into a big proud smile and we all sat down for dinner.

I thought all that night about the unique special relationship between daughters and fathers -- tortience -- as contributor Mary Higgins Clark notes, is what they call this bond on Cape Cod. It's pervasive.

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison noted, "I have always wanted to mention my dad when I speak, but I get choked up and have never been able to…now I can".

As word about this book spread, I had women come up to me and say, "My dad was great…" and proceed to tell me wonderful and inspiring stories about their dads. I am just sorry that I could not include every story in this book.

This project has grown from a small idea to a wonderful gift -- not only to the women and fathers who have contributed, but also to anyone who has shared this special relationship with their father. No matter what socio-economic background, country or profession the contributors have come from, the undercurrent remains a steadfast love of their dads.

First ladies, US Senators, a Governor, Hollywood actress', Grand 'Ole Oprey artists, Olympic Gold Medalists, the most winning women's basketball coach in the country and an American soldier describe the foundation their fathers gave them to dream and reach for the highest star…often overcoming great obstacles and surviving because of their father's love and unwavering support for them.

Women from five countries and more than 20 states have opened their hearts to give us a peek into their lives with their fathers. Daughters of a US president, a Holocaust survivor, baseball Hall of Fame legends, a NASCAR driver, a New York fashion designer, and a hero from 9/11 share lessons learned not always easy, and tender moments with their fathers.

The first woman president of an African country, the first woman president of Princeton University, the first Mexican American woman to enter the male dominated world of golf, the first woman to preside over the highest court in our country, and a daughter of a civil rights leader all reflect on the guidance their fathers had in shaping their lives and encouraging them when life was not always easy.

As I assembled the various stories from across the world, I tried to think of a title that would encompass the feeling of the final piece. I saved some letters that my dad wrote me when I was in college. Daddy wrote me every Monday and would sign his letters "Love you, Daddy Boy." I will never forget his letters and his love for me. This book is a chance for me as well as for every woman to say "I love YOU, Daddy Boy" to their fathers.

I am so honored and inspired by these great women and their stories. I hope you will be as well. If you are so moved, write about your own father in the space provided at the end of the book. Wherever he might be, I'm sure he would smile if you did so.

Many of the wonderful fathers you will read about are no longer with us. Indeed, some have passed away in the brief time that this book was written. I hope these essays will serve as a meaningful and lasting tribute. And I'm sure I speak for all of these women when I say … enjoy every day with your father and family. Treasure every precious moment.