Thanks Dad

With Father’s Day fast approaching, I always reflect on the good times I’ve had with my Dad. I’m very lucky because my parents are still together and I grew up in a very loving environment. My Dad has always been very supportive of all the decisions I’ve made and helped support me through university, which without him, I would have found very hard to do. I was recently contacted by the Car People who as part of their 'Thanks Dad' campaign are encouraging people to reflect on their favourite car journey with their Dad. Whilst I’ve had many car journeys with my Dad over the years, I think the trips to and from university are some of the most memorable.

Dad drove me to university on my very first day and picked my up on my very last (with many trips in between!) Going to university in Norwich meant it was about a 2.5-3 hour journey back home to London, which I did countless times over my 3 years at university. However, there’s one car journey that particularly stands out in my mind and is most definitely my favourite journey we shared together.

It was the end of the first term of my second year at university and my Mum was turning 50 on 13^th December, which was just before term ended. I’d apologised to my Mum that I wouldn’t be able to spend her actual birthday with her as I had my last week of lectures, but little did she know, behind her back, my Dad and I were planning her a surprise. I’d asked Dad if he wouldn’t mind taking the day off work to come and pick me up from university. I often got the train home, but as it was the end of term and I had about a month off, I had a lot of stuff to take with me! Anyway, he kindly agreed to come and pick me up, keeping it a surprise from Mum (he even briefed his secretary to tell my Mum he was in a meeting should she call!) He arrived to pick me up and it was so lovely to see him. I always missed my parents when I was at university, so it was lovely to be greeted by them at the end of term. Dad and I packed up the car and began our journey back to London. It was such a fun journey, we were chatting about how my term had gone and were both excited to see my Mum's reaction when we got home. Dad always put CDs on when we travelled home, often a new artist he’d discovered and wanted to share with me. I don’t think he realises how much I enjoyed those journeys with him. Once home, I rang the doorbell and to my Mum's utter surprise, there I stood. She was in complete shock and had no idea that Dad and I had been planning this for weeks. It was so lovely for my Dad and I to be in on a little secret that we knew Mum would love. I’ll never forget the look on her face, it was such a special moment, which without my Dad, I’d never have been able to do.

So thanks Dad. I don’t think I tell you often enough how much you mean to me and how grateful I am for everything you’ve done for me over the years. Happy Father’s day, you deserve nothing but the best.

What’s your favourite car journey with your dad? I’d love to know!