Napkin Notes - by W Garth Callaghan (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Garth Callaghan doesn't know how long he has to live. But he can be certain of one simple thing: No matter his fate, his daughter, Emma, will find a handwritten note inside her lunchbox each day until she graduates from high school.

Cancer has given Garth Callaghan a new purpose: to inspire parents to connect more with their children even in small ways, as he has done before and since his diagnosis by tucking a napkin note into his daughter's lunch every day.

Every morning as he packs Emma's lunch, Garth adds a little surprise: a "napkin note"--a short, tender message to convey his love, encouragement, and pride. Garth began writing his napkin notes when Emma was in grade school, and as she grew up, his notes became more meaningful.

Shortly after Emma turned twelve, Garth learned he had kidney cancer. Determined to make the time he has left meaningful, he has compiled years' worth of notes to get his daughter through her high school graduation. Now, in this moving book, a blend of inspiration and memoir, he makes his remarkable legacy available to all of us, to deepen our relationships with our own children and those we love.

Garth introduces each chapter with a napkin note and then shares a story connected to it and to his life. In the vein of The Last Lecture, Tuesdays with Morrie, and Until I Say Good-bye, Napkin Notes is an inspiring tale of family, love, and wisdom. Beautifully written, tender, and wise, it is sure to warm the hearts and touch the souls of readers everywhere.

Review Quotes

Praise for Garth Callaghan: "It makes me look at my role as a parent a little differently, thank you." - Matt Lauer, Today

"It's a great message for all of us who get caught up in the day to day. Just stop, thank your loved ones and do something special and those memories last forever." - David Koch, Sunrise Australia

"Garth is my hero ... Optimism is everything. If you're here to live, enjoy life and value it, and that's what I love about Garth. He teaches us to do that more." - Rachael Ray

"An amazingly powerful story which you will not forget, I promise you." - Andy Stefanovich, TEDxRVA Curator

"Garth, you have an incredible story." - Clayton Morris, Fox & Friends