I bought that card when Claire was in high school. Broke up the the guy just before Valentine's Day. Never used it because it was too lovey and gooey. The front page was covered with the word "LOVE" (over and over) embossed in white-on-white. Nice.

Backstory- For Father's Day, Claire drove to Wenatchee for the weekend. It's 280-miles round trip, including driving over steep, dangerous Stevens Pass twice.

"I forgot to give you money for gas," I texted after she got home. "Did your Dad give you money for gas?" Yes, she replied. "But it wasn't enough. Gas was extremely expensive!"

The red envelope and card hid the $20 bills. Wanted to spare Claire driving to cash a check.

Laughed as I wrote, "Ha ha! I bought this card when you were in high school. Broke up with the guy just before Valentine's Day. The front LOVE stands."

Inside I crossed out eye-rolling phrases like "I love love being in love with you." Left the words: "I especially love talking and laughing with you."

When she got the card, Claire responded:

"Thank you so much, Mom! I'm so thankful and love you so much. LOVE the card. I laughed so hard. I love love it!!! So blessed and happy. Thank you for bringing me joy!"

Mission accomplished. Finally got rid of that stupid card.