calling cards within europe

I've had the best luck with PIN cards that work in one country only. In my experience, they have the least connection charges and best per minute rates. They come in different values, I think the lowest is 5 Euro. I try to use it up before I leave the country, then paste the 'empty' card in my journal.

There are also PIN cards that are supposed to work all over Europe, but they have higher connection charges, per minute charges, and if they don't work in your next country they're just a souvenir.

You can get a PIN card at newstands and tobacco shops. I usually get them near a train station but they are probably available in airports too. Before you buy, ask where there is a phone to use it. If there isn't one in the airport (assuming you are catching a connecting flight) it won't do you any good.

Another option is an internet cafe. I have had some of the best international calling deals in Austrian internet cafes. They may have one in the airport that will work well.

For years, I have used my AT&T card. In most European countries, it uses double the minutes as compared to the US. I purchased it at Wal-Mart and add minutes to it by calling the AT&T number later. ex. If I would use five minutes in the US then in Europe it would use ten of my minutes.

I would second the idea about just using a US based card as you will only be making one call from the country as you pass through.
Another possibility is to look around the airport while waiting for your second flight and ask someone using internet if they would mind sending an email to your daughter for you. People are always friendly.
We were at a phone booth in Milan many years ago trying to set up a lunch meeting with a cousin who barely spoke English. I leaned out of the booth and asked a young woman walking by if she spoke English. She said she did so I asked her if she would talk to my cousin. She set up the get together for me.
Ya just gotta ask!

Thanks everyone, you've been most helpful!