For most kids, school lunches come with a sandwich and maybe a snack. But for Jake Carson, every midday meal came with something far more meaningful — a note from his dad.
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For over a decade, Brian Carson, a devoted father from New Jersey, handwrote a personal note to his son Jake and tucked it into his lunchbox before school. What began as a simple gesture in kindergarten quickly turned into a powerful daily ritual that stood the test of time.
“Some were silly jokes, some were life advice, but every note said, ‘I love you,’” Brian shared in an interview.
“Even on the mornings I was rushed or tired, I made sure to write something — because I knew it mattered.”
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And it did matter — more than Brian ever imagined.
Now a high school senior preparing for college, Jake recently surprised his dad with a revelation: he had kept every single note his father ever wrote — more than 1,800 of them — all carefully preserved in an old shoebox tucked under his bed.
“There were days I felt down, or nervous about a test, or just overwhelmed,” Jake said.
“Reading those notes reminded me that someone believed in me. That I wasn’t alone.”
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Inside the box are messages ranging from cheesy puns like “You’re egg-cellent—have an eggs-tra great day!”, to heartfelt pep talks during finals week, and gentle reminders to be kind to others.
The story went viral after Brian posted a photo of the box online alongside one of his very first notes:
“You’re stronger than you think. And I packed you Oreos!”
The post quickly gained traction, with thousands of parents and teachers praising Brian’s dedication. Many said it inspired them to start writing to their own children, showing just how far a simple, consistent act of love can go.
Now, with Jake heading off to college, Brian is working on one final note — a letter that will accompany his son into this next chapter of life, just like the very first one did back in kindergarten.
“It’s going to be hard not packing a lunch every morning,” Brian admitted.
“But this last note? It’s a summary of everything I’ve ever tried to say — that no matter where he goes, I’m with him.”
Brian hopes his story reminds other parents that it’s not always the grand gestures that make the biggest impact — sometimes, it’s the quiet consistency of showing up every day, in small but meaningful ways.
“Parenting is showing up,” Brian said. “Even in the smallest things. A little note, a little love — it can stay with someone forever.”
