Napkin Notes: Make Lunch Meaningful, Life Will Follow

by Garth Callaghan

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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Memoir, Adult, Audiobook, Inspirational, Ebooks

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 27, 2013

Reviews

[Juh Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este livro e a filosofia de vida por trás dele são incríveis! As notas deixadas por Garth são um modo muito marcante de um pai mostrar seu amor pela filha. Acho muito motivador o fato de apesar de todo o peso da doença ele ser capaz de criar meios de se reconectar às pessoas, não apenas Emma, mas todos que param um pouco para observar sua atitude. Muitas das citações nas notas eu vou levar para minha vida.
 
 
>> Emocionante. Necessário. Verdadeiro - Nota: 9,1
Veja mais em: Ninho de Pirilampos

[Inês Jorge · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝐄𝐮 𝐡𝐞𝐢-𝐝𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐫-𝐭𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐫"

Poderia dizer que não tenho palavras para este livro, mas talvez por ter tanto por dizer, se torne tão difícil.
Adorei este livro e tudo à sua volta! Há coisas impossíveis de explicar.

Este livro escolheu-me. Uma mudança de fila de supermercado, uma única unidade e estava à frente dos meus olhos. Uma filha que perde um pai. Tive de o ler.

Um pai que se despede da filha, que lhe escreve uma lista de vida, que arranja maneira de a fazer sentir importante com pequenos gestos.

Um pai que deixa todos os dias uma mensagem num guardanapo. Eu que adorava deixar mensagens ao meu pai num guardanapo, junto à caneca dele, que sabia que ia utilizar pela madrugada, quando se levantava para trabalhar e deixava todos a dormir por mais umas horas. Pequenos gestos que me faziam sentir bem e que era uma forma de lhe dizer que o admirava e como era importante para mim.

Este livro tem demasiadas lições e mensagens importantes para conseguir escolher uma.
É maravilhoso 🖤

[Camela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, and the philosophy behind it, are incredible! The cards Mr. Callaghan has been dealt are more than any one person should have to play.
I love that, through his battles, he continues to find the means to "Connect", not only with Emma, but with the world. Mr. Callaghan is clearly aware that what started out simply as fatherly love has morphed into so much more. He is encouraging the world to "Pack. Write. Connect."
The book dedication sums up the love of a parent: "To Emma 826 napkins will never be enough". It fully encompasses a parent's love; nothing we do for our children will ever seem enough.
So many of the quotes on the Napkin Notes resonate with me.

"Be brave." - always
"Sometimes when I need a miracle, I look into your eyes and realize I've already created one." - most definitely how I feel about my children
"Make sure your friends know how important they are to you." - sage advice, no matter our age
"If I could give you one thing in life, I would give you the ability to see yourself through my eyes. Only then would you realize how special you are to me." - absolutely
"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." - unite
"Anyone who thinks that sunshine is pure happiness has never danced in the rain." - find the best in any situation

When I pondered the times the Callaghan family has had to encounter yet another diagnosis, I concluded that they are truly remarkable. Remarkable as a couple, remarkable as parent/child, and remarkable in their willingness to share their story. Through sharing, they are inspiring others to realize that even the grimmest of situations can lead to exceptional outcomes.
When Emma is told of the second diagnosis, I love her comment. "You deserve to be done with this" explains her frustration, fears, and love for her father.
Mr. Callaghan's strength is displayed in his personality. He decides to wear Star Wars t-shirts to his appointments so that he will stand out from the other patients, causing an awareness for the medical team to be connected to his battle. This awareness allows the medical relationship to become personal, to unite the team for battle. His presentation of a Star Wars action figure to one of his doctors displays Mr. Callaghan's need for those involved to fully buy in to the team. It was an incredible idea.
At the moment when this father realizes the importance of the Napkin Notes to his daughter by her simple question of "Napkin Note?", I can only imagine how surreal that must have been. To know that these seemingly small gestures have such a profound impact had to have been sheer elation.
There are some dialogues in the book that touched me on a personal level. The conversation with Lissa where he tells her she didn't sign up for this and Lissa replies, "Yes I did...It was in the vows." hit me like a wall. My mother told me this once when I questioned why she remained with my father through many years of his uncontrolled mental illness: "I said vows." Devotion at its finest.
The conversation with Father Dan when they discuss that it's okay to be angry with God reminds me of the sermon at my mother's funeral. Father David relayed this same message, that it is okay to be angry with God when someone is taken from us at age 59. Be angry, deal with that anger, and then move past it. God can handle it.
Intertwining the Life List for Emma throughout the book adds another perspective. The Napkin Notes are a daily connection and will be treasured by Emma for a lifetime. The Life List is a summation of the daily notes.
Throughout the years, I have connected with my husband, my children, and other loved ones using different avenues. I will leave a hidden note for my husband in his lunch (which he packs!), in among his clothes laid out for the next day, or under his pillow when I am going to be away from home that night. With my children, I did include a note in their lunches from time to time. For quite some time when they were teenagers, I texted them with inspirational quotes or messages to start off their school day. Recently, I have been mailing cards to my daughter to encourage her with her university studies.
Mr. Callaghan's lifelines are as they should be, those dearest to him.
I pray Mr. Callaghan will experience the Epilogue.

[Michele Harrod · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful little book, despite the fact the author is battling cancer. It's a reminder that we really shouldn't wait until we are diagnosed with a terminal illness, to make the time to really connect with those we love. To tell them the things we'd like to say - and to think about the legacy we are leaving with our everyday actions. I loved too that he pointed out that cancer affects not just the patient, but all of those who care about them - the immediate and extended family, friends, and colleagues. It is easy to forget that when we are confronted with this nasty disease.

In a nutshell - this wee tome celebrates the value of a good nutritious lunch, the power of the written word, and just how fortunate we are to have a support team at our back, when the chips are down. And a reminder to take the time to tell yours just how much they mean to you.

This has inspired me to grab a pen and lift the lid on that huge box of cards I have accumulated over the years, that has been forgotten since the arrival of email. As Garth himself points out - when was the last time you went back and re-read an old email from someone you care about???

Just like a napkin note : this was short and sweet, and I am so very glad I received it.

[Jay French · Rating 4 out of 5]

I expected a touching story of how the author wrote notes to his daughter and put them in her lunch for a number of years. The unexpected part was the author's own story of dealing with multiple cancer diagnoses over the years, providing him with an incentive to follow through with his plan to write these notes and to make lunch for his daughter, and to ensure he readied enough notes to cover the daughter for her years through high school graduation. The author tells this story, and the story of the fame that napkin notes brought him, as well as provides some suggestions for writing your own notes for your own loved ones. Nice. I listened to the audio version of this book. The author reads most of it, but the author's daughter reads a few sections as well. She did a fine job, but the parts she read were written by her father referencing himself, and it came across as a bit confusing when you first realize that when she says "I" she means her dad.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title intigued me. I used to write notes to my kids. This author has kidney cancer and in 2012 was told he had an 8% chance of surviving 5 years (he's still alive!) He decided to pack his daughter's lunch every day and include an inspiring, positive message on the napkin. Then he committed to write enough napkins to last through her high school graduation: something like 876 of them! The book is his story. It was sweet and also a quick read. ;o)

[Susanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is raw and honest in this book. The life lessons he shares with Emma are good for people of all ages. He inspires me to be a better parent to my teen daughters, one of whom reads my Goodreads book reviews and will likely hold me accountable. 😉

[Nassimoka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story make us think a lot about our life and the way we spend the time we have. And author's love to his daughter are so big and incomparable. My heart was touched by this story.

[Philomena Hottin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was extremely uplifting.

[She Reads Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sound advice. Beautiful notes. Tugged at my heartstrings.

[Rui Fernandes · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[Miss M · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Скъпа Емма" на Гарт Калахан е едно истинско откровение. Книгата вдъхновява. Кара ни да бъдем по-добри хора. Подтиква ни да мечтаем, да вярваме в себе си. В нея се сблъскваме с истинското страдание. Урокът, който тя ни учи е, че от всяка безнадеждна ситуация има изход.
Това е книга, която не се побира в рамки. Тя е нестандартна. Уникална, също като всеки от нас. Не съществува аналог. Не мога да направя съпоставка с друга такава книга.
Насърчавам ви - прочетете тази книга! Не очаквайте да откриете нещо леко за четене. Напротив в нея се описва историята на един човек, който не веднъж и два пъти е диагностициран с рак. Но... дайде шанс на Гарт Калахан да разкаже своята история и то по неговия начин, чрез бележки на салфетки.
В тези крайно недостатъчни 250 страници на "Скъпа Емма" ще намерите по малко от всичко: нещастията в живота ни, които ни правят по-силни; малките радости, които ни карат да се усмихваме; силните личности, които ни подтикват да продължим да се борим; истинските хора, заради които да ставаме всяка сутрин; любящото семейство, което ни подкрепя винаги.
Книгата не е художествен шедьовър, но съм сигурна, че ще успее да ви докосне. Това е история за живота, такъв какъвто е с неговите плюсове и минуси. Истински. Реален. Човечен.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard about this book after reading an article in Good Housekeeping that mentioned several "must reads" in terms of inspirational stories offering hope and positive thinking.

In this case, the author has been the one packing his daughter's lunch for many years. He always made sure to tuck in a little "napkin note". Some type of motivational quote or well wish written on the edge of the napkin. What makes his story so unique is that he has been diagnosed with cancer on multiple occasions and is currently actively fighting the disease. With a long term survival rate only in the single digits, he decided to take his napkin notes and create a lasting memoir for his teenage daughter.

In between samples of his napkin notes, he shares his cancer journey and samples of life lists he's created for his daughter. He has a very pleasant way of writing, comments on the role faith has played in his life and overall has created a pleasant read given the harsh realities he is facing head on.

Mr. Callaghan has made sure that his daughter will always be able to "hear" his voice. What a treasure that will be for her in the years to come.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminded me of "The Last Lecture" in that both are about fathers who have death sentence cancer diagnoses and they both want their children to know how much they are loved and also to tell them the things now that they won't be able to when the children are old enough to hear them. Callaghan's notes on napkins in his daughter's lunch pre-dated the cancer diagnosis, but their importance greatly increased afterward.
Cancer sucks and I hope that Callaghan will be in the 8 percent that beats it.

[Libros Prohibidos · Rating 2 out of 5]

Presenta la lucha personal contra el cáncer de su autor, Garth Callaghan, en un relato desnudado de cualquier pretensión literaria, algo totalmente comprensible tratándose de un libro de esta categoría. No hay una prosa contundente, no hay una voz narrativa que atrape. Por decirlo de alguna manera, no es más que un oficinista del departamento de contabilidad de una multinacional contando una época de su vida. Crítica completa: http://www.libros-prohibidos.com/gart...

[Yulistiani]

Setelah tak terhitung banyaknya aku mengulang-ulang beberapa kalimat agar bisa mengerti konteksnya, aku memutuskan it is not worth my time. So, DNF. Terjemahannya tidak bisa ditoleransi. Masa relationship diterjemahin jadi relasi :(

[Lake County Public Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It is a heartwarming story with a message that will impact everyone who reads it. I want my kids to read it!

-- Sibylle, Dyer-Schererville Branch

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely give five stars to books, but this is a book that I believe every parent should read! Garth Callahan started writing notes on napkins for his daughter’s lunch when she was in second grade. It was a way for him to connect with his daughter when he realized he only had about an hour a day to spend with her. The napkin note was a way for him to let her know he loved her and to teach her all that a father needed his daughter to know. Years later, he was diagnosed with cancer. So the napkin notes became even more important. He made a commitment to make sure his daughter had a napkin note every school day through high school even though his diagnosis only gave him an 8% chance to make it to five years. So he had over 800 notes to write and a hopeless diagnosis. He used the nonprofit Because I Said So to keep him going on this overwhelming task. The book is full of his notes and his lessons for his daughter. This book is about a man with cancer but it is really about reaching out to the people we love. It’s about putting down our phones, picking up a pen and a napkin and spending five minutes of our day connecting with those we love.
This resonated with me so profoundly and I have resolved to be a “Napkin Notes Mom” with all my children and even my husband. My family is the most important thing to me and I need them to know that no matter how much time I have on earth to do that.
There is a little language in it which usually makes me give a lower rating but this book was so impactful that I still recommend it to anyone who has people in their life they love.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoiler Alert***I wouldn't let myself look up Garth Callaghan until I finished the book, I was afraid he'd lost one of his many battles with cancer. The cancer permeates this book and becomes one of the main motivators. Originally, Garth just wanted to add something to his daughter's day when she opened her lunch. He started the notes written on the edge of a napkin with a simple endearment. Emma loved them so much that he continued with more notes: some inspirational quotes, some encouraging, all loving.

Then a cancer diagnosis made the notes into life lessons and he took on the challenge to stockpile enough to get Emma through high school. Have the tissues handy and prepare to be a little jealous if you didn't have a Dad comfortable enough with emotions to write you your own notes or even to pack your lunch.

Callaghan write's an Epilogue chapter that threw me because it seems set in the future. I hope he gets there and I hope Emma continues to cherish the special bond.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. the writer has a skill that I do not have in the least: dogged optimism and gratitude. When I added this to my to-read list, I didn't know (or have since forgotten) about the author's affliction, which certainly added a sad note to the book. However, if you liked The Last Lecture, you'll like this. That the author is originally from an area I'm familiar with and even recommends a hotel in that area gave it a little more oomph for me. It's the kind of book that makes me want to be a better person and get back to writing lunch box notes because there aren't many more opportunities for me to do that. (If you read on teh treadmill like I do, this is a perfect choice--light and of a smaller format with larger print and wide margins and containing a story that makes the time go by.)

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give this 3.5 stars if I could.

The book is simple enough - Callaghan started writing notes on a napkin to his daughter when he packed her lunch each morning. Sometimes they were thoughts, or quotes, life advice, or a few sentences of what he was wishing for her. He didn't miss a single day through her high school career, despite the fact that he was thrice-diagnosed with cancer and was estimated to not see her graduate. But he dug in, was willing to try anything, and kept writing his positive notes to his daughter every morning. Each note that he shares in the book also includes a relevant story about his life, which makes it feel a little like a memoir, but he also documents how the Because I Said I Would movement highlighted Napkin Notes and how others have begun to contact them about his message. Overall, it's an uplifting, personal read, and I enjoyed it.

[Анна Зубович · Rating 4 out of 5]

Інтернет підкинув книгу і я клюнула.
Емоційна книга, написана про реальні події, які і зараз продовжують своє життя. Головний герой - Автор книги - бореться з найстрашнішим захворюванням, ще й х3, і відкриває великий рух по написанню «записок на серветках», як це може бути важливо для рідних та друзів. Невелика записка від руки, яка подарує посмішку комусь в моменті - все це було спочатку в «домашніх умовах» для доньки, а потім виходить за межі і на сьогоднішній день є сайт www.napkinnotesdad.com , де люди діляться цим досвідом тощо.
Також була згадана тема, схожа, яку я знаю - because I said I would
Кожен раз дивуюсь на скільки американці глибоко релігійні люди (навіть в Сімпсонах це показано - це реально так!).

[Nanaee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buku ini menceritakan tentang seorang ayah yang menderita kanker. Tetapi fokus utama dalam buku ini tentang kasih seorang ayah yg begitu besar kepada anak perempuannya, dia mempunyai kebiasaan menyelipkan catatan di serbet kertas pada bekal anaknya yg ternyata berdampak baik pada suatu hubungan ayah dan anak. Buku yang bagus dapat memberikan gambaran betapa besarnya kasih seorang ayah pada anaknya meskipun ayah jarang untuk mengungkapkan perasaan sayangnya. Dan buku ini dapat menyampaikan betapa berharganya waktu yg ada untuk kita gunakan sebaik mungkin khususnya untuk membahagiakan keluarga❤️

[Joe DiNovo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiration for Life

I don't remember what drew me to read this book. But as I was looking through my library to find what I wanted to read next, I thought 'This is short, I'll try it.'. I was so glad I did! Here I am at 4:30 a.m. writing a review. Ok, I put put the book down occasionally; nature calls. I even went to bed last night. But then I had to get up to finish this awesome book. It is my intention to share this story with everyone I meet. As I leave a restaurant, why not leave a note with my tip? Or the busboy? I try to always say something to the cashier. If you can't leave a napkin note, then be one!

[Gerri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this at a used book store and the cover intrigued me. Absolutely loved it!!! I don’t usually read this type of book but found it to be a nice change of pace. Great short read – only 250 pages but a delightful story of the author battling cancer and his concern for his young daughter. Story line is extremely inspiring and sad but a great reminder that life is precious and sometimes short and sometimes we get kicked in the rear end without warning. Fantastic message that we don’t wait for the unexpected to tell your loved ones how you feel and make time to be with those you love and treasure.

[Yaroslava Yakovenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Эта история об отце, которому ставят однозначный диагноз – рак. Тогда он начинает оставлять записки на салфетках для дочери, которые вкладывает в ланчбокс, который та берет с собой в школу. Я совершенно искренне верю, что художественная литература порой важнее бизнес книг. Истории реальных людей мотивируют сильнее, и важно не пытаться повторить кого-то, а находить вдохновение в каждом дне, ценить тех, кто рядом с тобой. Каждый день.

Важно не забывать, что счастье можно найти даже в темные времена, если не забывать обращаться к свету.

[Linda Layne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed "Napkin Notes," by Garth Callaghan. I found the book to be witty, sad, moving, and of course, inspiring. I agree with Mr. Callaghan, people often do not know what they have until life pulls the carpet out from under their feet. He and his wonderful, supportive family, truly something to be grateful for, especially in this day and age: people in our society seem to be so caught up in things and not people.

[Joyce Porteus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rated this 5 stars for several reasons. Primarily, Garth's sensitivity to others despite his own situation is inspiring. Secondly, because I totally agree (& have a history of writing to my loved ones) that hand written notes are treasured pieces of ourselves to be shared. I love his insights, as well af his ideas of how others can incorporate"notes" into their own lives. Gos bless Garth Callahan.

[Nda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dapet buku ini kalau ga salah 2 tahun yg lalu. Hadiah Ulang Tahun dari seorang teman baik. Ga paham kenapa dia pilihin buku ini, tapi alhamdulillah, bukunya menyentuh.
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ
Kisah inspiratif dari seorang ayah dengan diagnosa kanker. Dalam jatuh bangun perjuangannya melawan kanker, dia tetap Ingin terhubung (terutama) dengan anak semata wayangnya, Emma.
ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ
Bagaimana cara dia untuk tetap terhubung?

[Aiken]

Автор всеми способами подталкивает нас к тому, чтобы мы любили и ценили своих родных и близких, и говорили им об этом, любыми средствами. А ведь этого так не хватает в нашем мире, в наше время.

Эта книга о любви отца к дочери. Эта книга - призыв к тому, чтобы все люди говорили о своих чувствах тем, кем они дорожат.

Кстати, это реальный человек и правдивая история. В конце книги есть ссылки на социальные сети, чтобы связаться с автором.