When Tiger Woods father, Earl Woods, died in 2006, Tiger paid tribute to the awesome influence his dad had on his life. "My dad was my best friend and greatest role model....I am overwhelmed when I think of all of the great things he accomplished in his life. He was an amazing dad, coach, mentor, soldier, husband and friend. I wouldn't be where I am today without him, and I'm honored to continue his legacy of sharing and caring" (as quoted in the Mobile Register 5/4/06).

In his book, Lessons from a Father to His Son, John Ashcroft, former Missouri governor, U.S. Senator and U.S. Attorney General, relates the profound impact his father had on his life. In one paragraph, he says:

"In many ways Dad was a very ordinary man. He never ran for political office, never built a business, never made a mark on Wall Street. He served as a pastor and then as president of several colleges-a respectable vocational path, certainly, but not one the media might identify as historic. Yet I believe that a sincere, unaffected life can be a profound life, and a quiet, courageous, and faithful obedience can be far more inspiring than a clamorous pursuit of fame. My father's life demonstrated this truth." (From Lessons from a Father to His Son, by John Ashcroft, 1998, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee).

Tony Dungy, head coach of the Super Bowl XLI champion Indianapolis Colts, in his book, Quiet Strength, talks about the importance of his family over football. He says that although football is his profession, impacting others through his family and faith are more important.

"Society tends to define success in terms of accomplishments and awards, material possessions, and profit margins. In the football business, winning is the only thing that matters...God's definition of success is really one of significance---the significant difference our lives can make in the lives of others. This significance doesn't show up in win-loss records, long resumes, or the trophies gathering dust on our mantels. It's found in the hearts and lives of those we've come across who are in some way better because of the way we lived." (From Quiet Strength, by Tony Dungy with Nathan Whitaker, 2007, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois).

My own dad was a blue-collar worker dedicated to his family. He worked long hours at the plant, took us on family vacations each year, made sure we were in church every Sunday, instilled in his children the importance of family, integrity and truth and emphasized the value of education. Although he died prematurely at age 51 before my children were born, his life continues to influence me through his teaching and desire to honor him and my mother by the way I live.

Studies show that children with involved fathers are less likely to engage in dangerous behaviors, enjoy a higher standard of living and perform better in school. Because of a close relationship with dad, children are more likely to be successful in other relationships in life. Always know the influence a father has on his children can lead them to be a better person and influence the world around them. Who knows...they may become a governor, professional golfer, or a Super Bowl winning coach!

Susan B. McConnell

Susan is the author of two books on parenting, Raising Great Kids in a Tough World and Parenting in Tough Times. She is a family counselor in Mobile, Alabama.