Napkin Notes Dad Pens 826 Notes To Daughter: You’ll Cry When You See Why


Garth Callaghan, a 44-year-old man now known as the Napkin Notes Dad, is on a mission.

Ever since his daughter Emma was little, he would write her notes that she would find in her lunchbox. But since November 2011, Callaghan has been diagnosed with cancer three times — once with prostate cancer, and twice with kidney cancer.

He has an eight percent chance of living past five years. His doctor has flatly told him, “You’re going to die from this.”

Rather than recoil in despair, he set out to write as many notes as possible so that Emma could have one every day until she graduates high school.

His chosen method of delivering them: on napkins.

Yes, Gallaghan plans to stockpile each of these so that when he is no longer around, he can continue to communicate with Emma, so she never feels alone, even if he’s not there to guide and support her physically.

A number of Gallaghan’s napkin notes are now appearing on Facebook, where he’s welcomed the Napkin Notes Dad moniker.

Here are some favorites:

“We are not given a good life or a bad life. We are given a life. It’s up to us to make it good or bad.”

“I did not realize my strength until I had cancer.”

“Dear Emma, This is your last 8th grade napkin note. I’m sad. I’m proud! You are a fantastic daughter. I love you! Let’s have an awesome summer! Love, Dad”

“Dear Emma, One important key to success is self-confidence. An important key to self-confidence is preparation. (Arthur Ashe) Love, Dad”

“Dear Emma, Be present. Love, Dad P.S. That probably means you have to put your phone down. Sorry!”

And some more:

The Napkin Notes Dad is currently at more than 40,000 likes on Facebook. On June 12, he had a bit of hopeful news that he shared with the community.

A Fantastic Day!

I had an appointment with my doctor today. I know, you’re shocked!

It was a great visit. I learned a couple of things that are pretty amazing, but I am going to focus on one.

I am responding to my medicine incredibly well. He considers me in the Top 10%! Most patients can keep their kidney cancer at bay with this medicine. The cancer in my body is on retreat and running fast.

I told him it was because I was taking the special medicine. I don’t know that he understood what I was saying. Frankly, my medicine is only a part of the army. The other parts are God, prayer, and positivity.

Top 10%!

Thank you for battling with me. I really appreciate your prayers, support, and friendship!

Let’s hope things keep improving for the Napkin Notes Dad, and that he and Emma get a lot more than five years together.

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