Today, after two years of hard work, I finished writing my novel dedicated to my father. I timed everything so that the paperback would arrive at his house just before Christmas, then I booked a flight to surprise him so I could see his reaction in person. He just texted me, my mom told him. FML
Collection
Fall
Dead leaves, the first cold of the season and an umbrella flipped inside out: fall, the season of grace.
Today, I finally got a phone call from a publisher saying they would publish the book I'd written. I'd gotten loads of rejection letters, so I was so excited. Until I realized it was my dad, feeling sorry for me. FML
Today, I finally got a Christmas gift, a calligraphy set, for my father that I have been looking for for a month. My dad came home happily with the same calligraphy set today, saying that he surprised himself for Christmas. He got it cheaper than me. FML
Today, I was going to record a song I wrote for my dad, who I haven't spoke to in a couple of years. After getting things together, I called my mom to let her know I'd be doing this. She informed me he died. A year ago. FML
Today, as I was waiting in line to give my mom her birthday present, my dad gave her the exact same gift I'd also bought for her. FML
Today, my dad found the Father's Day present that I spent at least ten hours preparing and decorating. I'd expected him to be extremely happy about this lovely gift. His only reaction was to ask if he could exchange it for something else. FML
Today, I told my dad I couldn't make the trip to see him this weekend because I had to work. I surprised him by driving ten hours, and while he was out, I let myself in with my key and hid behind the couch for when he came in. He walked in. I jumped out. I then had to call 911. FML
Today, I got a text from my mom that said, "Your dad and I are so proud of you." Sweet, right? It was meant for my brother. FML
Today, my father got married. He left me a voicemail to tell me all about it. FML
Today, after spending five years regaining contact with my estranged father, I finally met him. I tearfully dropped my luggage and ran to hug him. He belched and told me to get in the car, because he had diarrhea. FML
Today, I received a late Christmas present from my estranged father. I was really excited, having neither seen nor heard from him in nearly two years. It was a $200 gift card for a store that only exists in Canada. I don't live in Canada. Not even close. FML
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Top comments
mssileas 25
Wow, I don't know if this was a case of really unfortunate miscommunication or if your mum is a huge binch. Anyway I'm really sorry, OP. Luckily, with books it's really what's inside that counts, and you can still get to experience his reaction to your writing as it unfolds.
arandomperson97 19
As a person whose mother also can’t keep a secret, I am so sorry OP. Hopefully your dad still enjoys your masterpiece!
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Comments (14)
mssileas 25
Wow, I don't know if this was a case of really unfortunate miscommunication or if your mum is a huge binch. Anyway I'm really sorry, OP. Luckily, with books it's really what's inside that counts, and you can still get to experience his reaction to your writing as it unfolds.
arandomperson97 19
As a person whose mother also can’t keep a secret, I am so sorry OP. Hopefully your dad still enjoys your masterpiece!
Itsbeenalong 5
Maybe you should have dedicated it to your mum AND dad.......
PenguinPal3017 19
It sounds like the mother doesn't deserve it.
GUYMAINE 16
no, just no
abigiggles 39
MMMOOOOOOMMMMMM!
Kaili McCoy 6
I feel like you’ve over thought this. Wouldn’t wrapping it up and giving it to him in person still allow you to see his reaction and negate the need for secrecy and perfect timing?
raven_of_azarath 35
Unless shipping to OP then going didn’t work. Cuz books don’t just magically become available when their finished. The book probably came available at a time that made more sense to ship it to the dad than to OP.
tounces7 28
Well now we know why you didn't dedicate it to your mother.
GUYMAINE 16
THEY RUIN EVERYTHING!
gsouther 11
You are a great daughter! If my daughter did that for me it would mean the world to me weather the surprise was ruined or not would not matter !