The memories are similar when most people reflect on their high school years. From bunkin classes with the friends you thought would stick to you forever, playing games, and whatnot. However, when Erin looks back at how her high school years looked, she is reminded of her father’s immense love and the efforts he put into raising such wonderful children. She recalls how Erin’s father quietly tucked little handwritten notes in her lunch, each with a different heartfelt message. It was an everyday ritual!
Erin’s mother worked in the disaster relief department, so she often felt sad when traveling in an emergency. She worked with the American Red Cross, and because of her job, the Daddy-Daughter duo built a beautiful bond. They spent time jotting down their weekly menu, planning the days mother wasn’t here, the shopping sprees, and often cooking together. The Dad took responsibility for making her lunch every day, and this was when the idea of writing a note every day popped into his head.
He used paper from torn notebooks and used each piece of paper to the best of its ability. On some days, the notes included famous quotations that gave valuable life lessons, but on others, they were reminders of driving safely or of how much Dad loved Erin. Not only this, but when Dsd had something worthwhile to teach his daughter, he noted it down as his daughter’s football coach.
When implemented, the strategies always worked. He also opted to introduce the Ten Commandments; however, on the eighth day, he lost count of which were already written down. Although what Dad did every day was not something that required a lot of effort, it gave his daughter the perfect amount of encouragement and love, something that every child deserves. The humour added to the excitement while Erin read the note.
The best part was that Erin’s friends figured out how her lunchbox hid a special note from her father daily. Thus, now it was not just Erin but the entire group of friends waiting for lunch break. Every time Erin pulled out her lunch box, a voice came saying, ‘What does the note say today?’ Although Erin was not set to save them all, the notes she found in her purses and pockets were all kept away safely. A special bag carries them all, although fifteen years have passed since Erin graduated high school.
Erin knew she wanted to return all the love her Dad had showered her with. Although parents sometimes fail to understand children and hold different opinions, their passion for children is selfless. It was time for Erin’s father to retire after 25 years, and this was when she wanted to return all the love! It was time that she opened the bag with all the notes stored safely, and she decided to display them on his retirement. It was to let his colleagues know about how her Dad was not just dedicated to his work, but played the role of a perfect father.
Her Dad’s coworkers couldn’t help but adore all the displayed notes, as in busy routines, people often forget to be expressive towards their children. The colleagues who knew how devoted he was to work now knew how kindhearted, humorous, and a man full of practicality Erin’s Dad was. After 25 years of hard work, it was the perfect tribute to say goodbye.
Presently, Erin’s mom and Dad live together in South Carolina, and while Erin does not get to see her Dad as often, the love and his efforts to raise her are what she cannot forget. She is glad her parents are living a good life, and she treasures the memories she has stored with so much love. The paper that once belonged to discarded notebooks is now a reminder of love and kindness; the ones she can carry all her life!
