Graduation Gift of the Day: Here’s the story behind newly minted grad Brenna Martini and the best-kept secret EVER.

I graduated High School this week. When my Dad said he had a present for me I thought I was getting some cheesy graduation card. But what I received was something truly priceless.

Following the ceremony he handed me a bag with a copy of Oh the Places You’ll Go, by Doctor Seuss inside. At first I just smiled and said that it meant a lot and that I loved that book. But then he told me “No, open it up.”

…On the first page I see a short paragraph written by none other than my kindergarten teacher. I start tearing up but I’m still confused.

He tells me “Every year, for the past 13 years, since the day you started kindergarten I’ve gotten every teacher, coach, and principal to write a little something about you inside this book.”

He managed to keep this book a secret for 13 years, and apparently everyone else in my life knew about it!

Yes the intended effect occured… I burst out in tears. Sitting there reading through this book there are encouraging and sweet words from every teacher I love and remember through my years in this small town. My early teachers mention my “Pigtails and giggles,” while my high school teachers mention my “Wit and sharp thinking..” But they all mention my humor and love for life.

is astounding to receive something this moving, touching, nostalgic, and thoughtful. I can’t express how much I love my Dad for this labor of love.

[nedhardy]