Prized Possession: "A Father's Journey in Raising his Daughter"
Alan Smyth II am a husband and a father who has had 25 years of experience raising a daughter. I didn't say "expertise" I said "experience" Beyond my own personal experience as a dad, I have been on the Young Life staff for 24 years giving me a front row seat to the lives of adolescent's (boys and girls). I have seen up close their issues and sometimes the sad consequences of their life choices. I am also in direct contact with hundreds of female Young Life staff and leaders who are intimately involved with girls as they struggle to grow up. I have been married to me wife, Sharon, for 29 years and we have two awesome kids. Our daughter Brittany is 25 years old, a graduate from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego and is now out in the work force. She also enjoys serving on the South Central Los Angeles Young Life team where she helps to reach inner city, at risk youth in LA. Our son Trevor (20) is studying at the United States Naval Academy and playing football there. "Go NAVY, Beat ARMY" I am a graduate of San Jose State University with a Communication Studies/Business degree. I have enjoyed my 24 years on the Young Life staff, a non-denominational Christian outreach, where I am currently serving as the Regional Director for the Greater Los Angeles Region. I love sports, my family, friends and giving my life to something a lot bigger than myself. This book is the result of lots of God directed circumstances blended with my real life experiences of being a dad. I have a huge heart for being a dad to both of my kids. However, my heart breaks for girls who have been traumatize by our culture and have been dealt the raw deal of not having an engaged dad in their life. It would be my joy to somehow pass something useful along to younger dads who will in turn love their daughters in a more fulfilling, meaningful and Godly way. I would love to hear from you as you navigate this important time in your life