Army Dad Writes 270 Notes To Keep His Daughter Company Every Day He’s Deployed.
Before Philip left, his wife Kristen suggested that he leave daily messages to let Rosie know she is always on his mind. So in the time leading up to his departure, he wrote exactly 270 notes for each day he’d be gone.
Rosie Gray is a proud member of a military family — and an even prouder daddy’s girl.
The 7-year-old loves spending time with her father, Staff Sgt. Philip Gray. That’s what made it so hard when he was deployed to Afghanistan from Fort Drum, New York, last October. Knowing how much his daughter would miss him, the Army dad found the sweetest way to be with her in spirit every day!
Kristen sneaked these wonderful surprises into Rosie’s lunch box every morning. From cute drawings to encouraging affirmations, the little girl couldn’t get enough of them!
“He wrote anything from, ‘You are super girl’ to ‘Smiling makes everyone else smile,’” Kristen said. “He was very big on feel-good words for her and girl power. He made sure to tell her how smart she was, and run fast in PE, and things that would really make her happy.”
Not only did her dad’s notes help Rosie stay strong, but they also gave her something to look forward to!
Before she knew it, August 8 rolled around. It was three days before her birthday — and the day her dad finally came home!
An Endnote from TLAC:
This story reminded me that what we do to show kindness and love doesn’t need to be complicated, expensive, or excessive. A daily note, a quick text or call, a smile or a wave are all actions of the heart and can make a big difference toward healing this world.
Be Kind . Be Grace . Hold Space for Each Other
Be PEACE
