One day I was having breakfast with my daughter, who was about 8 years old at the time. I had done what any good dad would do, I fixed her a bowl of cereal. I even poured the milk into the bowl myself. We were having some great conversation during our mealtime, when my daughter got up from the table with her bowl. When I asked her what she was doing, she told me that she was going to throw her "cereal milk" away.

Now having been well educated on how cereals are sprayed with vitamins and also how that vitamin spray often gets "washed off" of the cereal, I cautioned her about her pending blunder.

I said, "Kati, I can't believe that you're going to throw your cereal milk away. That's my favorite part."

She had a pondering look on her face for a moment, then proceeded to drink most of the milk. 'Mission accomplished,' I thought to myself. 'I really am an amazing dad!'

Fast forward a few weeks to Father's Day morning. As we sat down to eat breakfast as a family, I could tell something was up. Everyone was obviously in on this grand Father's Day surprise but me. I didn't mind because I knew that whatever surprise was awaiting me, it would be amazing. After about 10 minutes of giggles and some secret language that everyone understood except me, a pint-sized plastic bottle was placed on the table in front of me. I stopped eating a very delicious breakfast to see if I could solve this little mystery that had everyone so giddy.

As I picked up the container, I spun it around to see if there was a label or a note… nothing. So finally I asked, "What is it?". Kati said, "Dad, it's your favorite!"

Hmm, I thought to myself. What is my "favorite"?

Finally stumped, I asked her, "Kati, what is my favorite?"

She said, "Dad, you told me that cereal milk was your favorite so I've been saving mine for you all week and mom helped me put it in this bottle!"

In disbelief, I looked at my wife. She grinned and nodded in confirmation.

Not quite sure how to handle this situation, I paused to consider my options - then did what I knew I must do. I picked it up, unscrewed the lid and took a good long drink.

Of course I told Kati that this was the BEST cereal milk I had ever enjoyed and a Father's Day I would not soon forget. Then she made me promise to enjoy ALL of it later.

And, of course, I did.

Now that she's 14 years old, we have laughed about that day many, many times!

~Brad Miller