I'll never forget the sinking feeling of realizing I couldn't make it home for my dad. Work commitments and impossible flight schedules meant I'd be miles away. A simple "Happy Birthday" text or a generic card felt impersonal, and even mailing a gift seemed inadequate. I desperately wanted him to feel special, to know I was celebrating with him, even from afar.

Operation Surprise Dad!

I contacted my siblings, aunts, uncles, and even a few of Dad's old friends, asking them to record short video messages. Some shared hilarious memories, others expressed heartfelt birthday wishes, and some even serenaded him with "Happy Birthday."

Using GiftLips, I seamlessly pieced everything together. I added a slideshow of old photos of Dad through the years, incorporated a nostalgic song from his youth, and included my own message at the end.

On his 60th birthday morning, I sent the finished video greeting card with my gift, hoping it would make up for my absence.

Later that day, he called, his voice thick with emotion. “I wasn’t expecting that,” he said, his usual stoic demeanor cracking slightly. “It was like having everyone here with me.”