Category: Father’s Day

Storytime. “I don’t usually buy father’s day cards,” 20-something Jackson said with a wry smile, as he pushed a Father’s Day card across the counter, “but 2020 is a year of firsts.”

Jackson is a local tradie, he moved here last year when he started his apprenticeship. He’s not our usual Father’s Day card shopper. “I get on okay with dad, but we’ve never been card givers, we both prefer a beer.”

He’d chosen a fun card that said ‘Happy Father’s Day from the good one.’“ “The thing is, I don’t know what to write.” This is a common comment with Father’s Day cards. “Be yourself. Imagine it’s the last thing he ever reads,” I said, delivering our fine-tuned advice.

Jackson stood to the side of the counter and write his dad a note. I’m pretty sure I saw him wipe a tear, a happy tear, from his face as he closed the card to put it in the envelope.

This Father’s Day is different. The hugs being sent to dads will be cherished.

Storytime. “I’m so scared for him, so scared.” 20-something Oscar was telling us about his granddad who was in a nursing home and on lockdown. “No one is allowed to visit, for obvious reasons.”

These days people are sharing personal stories at the counter more so than ever, even those who usually keep counter chats light.

“I spoke to him on the phone and he sounded so sad.”

I knew Oscar liked to draw because he’d buy sketch books from us, so I made a suggestion. “Mate, why not draw a picture of him and you together doing something fun.”

“That’s perfect. Why didn’t I think of that?.” Oscar headed for the door. He was on a mission. I called after him “let’s see it when you’re done okay?!” “Okay,” Oscar yelled back.

Storytime. We had our first Father’s Day cards customer the other day. It was Vic. Before we put the cards out we called him because it had become a tradition.

For years, Vic would come and buy a Father’s Day card sit at the back of the shop and write on it before putting it in the envelope and sealing it.

Vic, who is in his 70s now, lost his dad when he was 30. Every year since, he has written his dad a Father’s Day card. He told us he keeps them in a wooden box his dad had made him when he was a kid.

Vic likes that we call him when the new season Father’s Day cards in so he can look through them before we put them on display. We are grateful to be part of his tradition.

Father’s Day is different for different people. Cards play different role. At their heart, they help us open our heart.