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Hey Dad,

I just got back from a speaking trip in West Palm Beach, Florida, with my lovely bride. It's been a while since we have been able to leave the kids behind and get a little husband and wife time. I love husband and wife time.

There is nothing better than strolling hand in hand, eating a leisurely meal, and holding each other on a plane ride. I'm telling you, Dad, if you haven't spent some alone time with your bride recently, you'd be wise to plan a little for the future. It doesn't have to be on a tropical beach somewhere; an overnight, while the kids stay at Grandma's will do.

It's just what the doctor ordered.

The only drawback is leaving the kids behind (of course that is one of the nice parts, too). Our kids start getting a little 'funny' right before we go. They get insecure and emotional, but I have a secret weapon to quell their fears—the note.

The day before our departure, while I was scurrying around, my son Abe (8) came up to me and said, "Don't forget to write me a note, Dad."

My pattern has been to write a note to my children whenever I do any traveling. But at that moment when Abe asked, it sounded overwhelming.

"I'm super busy, Abe," I responded. "I just don't know if … "

He knew where I was headed and interrupted, "It doesn't have to be a long note."

He was right. It doesn't have to be a long note. Actually, it's not even the actual words that mean the most. It's the NOTE that means something. It conveys that I was thinking of, am thinking of, and will be thinking of the one left behind.

There's something comforting about finding a note tucked into some unexpected place that says, "I was just thinking of you … I'm so glad I'm your dad … and I can't wait to see you when I get back."

So I left little notes for all eight of my children (which took about six minutes to write) and scattered them about Grandma's house.

No one ever said, "Thanks for the note, Dad," but they didn't need to because I know the power of The Note.

So, Dad, if you have a little trip coming up, do The Note. Even if you aren't going anywhere, do The Note.

It's mighty powerful and like Abe said, "It doesn't have to be a long note."

You 'da dad,

© 2009 Todd Wilson. Used by permission

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