California Siblings Surprise Dad with Nostalgic Last Car Ride to Work
In honor of their dad’s retirement, a group of siblings teamed up to plan a surprise reminiscent of some of their most treasured childhood memories.
Matt Houlihan, from San Jose, California, came up with an idea to celebrate his dad working 41 years at Saint Francis High School in Mountain View, California, the same school he, his brother, and sister attended.
A TikTok trend inspired Matt Houlihan to do something special for his dad, with a special Houlihan family twist, he said.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
California siblings orchestrated a heartfelt surprise for their father in a way that celebrated a life filled with laughter and shared experiences. Matt Houlihan’s concept revolved around reliving a cherished tradition—the morning carpool to school. It required his brother Brian and sister Kelsey to join him in an early morning rendezvous at their parents’ home, ready for one last ride together.
Those car rides were more than just a means of transportation; they were rituals where the family exchanged stories, jokes, and even the occasional annoyance of sibling rivalry. “For about eight years, my dad was driving all of us up to high school,” Matt recalled, highlighting the nostalgia that these seemingly simple moments retained in their hearts.
Creating the Soundtrack of Their Journey
The Houlihan siblings went all out, employing creativity to weave their past into the present. They crafted a playlist filled with beloved tracks from their youth, featuring “Hey Ya” by Outkast as the centerpiece. This particular song was a favorite, to the extent that their dad once had a CD with 21 continuous tracks of it. “We listened to it for months,” Matt chuckled, capturing the humor and warmth of such moments.
Each stop added layers to their nostalgic journey, from the beloved House of Bagels to the familiar high school parking lot. Their dad, Tim Houlihan, greeted this vibrant scene with open arms, unaware of the delightful surprise that awaited him.
The iconic phrase “Have fun storming the castle,” drawn from the cherished movie “The Princess Bride,” served as a sweet farewell when Tim sent his kids off to school. On this special morning, as they repeated those words, they not only honored their past but also symbolized the strong family bond that would transcend even the significant transitions.
A Legacy of Dedication and Kindness
Tim Houlihan dedicated over four decades to Saint Francis High School in various capacities, from bus driver to athletic director and construction manager for the latest campus projects. Witnessing the community’s heartfelt farewell was a testament to his influence on many lives, leaving a legacy of care that resonated with everyone he met.
Matt shared, “Watching people come up to my dad, expressing their gratitude, was incredibly touching.” It was a humbling experience, celebrating a man who often prioritized others, whether it was bringing food to school security guards on holidays or fostering a supportive environment for students and staff alike.
Passing On the Tradition
In these moments of reflection, Matt feels a profound appreciation for those small, engaging car rides. Now, as a parent to two little girls, he embraces the new role of guiding them to school. “These moments, filled with conversation, are what we often take for granted,” he mused, realizing the importance of valuing each shared experience.
Although Tim may no longer recite “Have fun storming the castle” to his kids, Matt perpetuates this familial tradition with his daughters, ensuring that the spirit of connection and love lives on. “I always tell them, ‘Have fun storming the castle,’” he affirmed, reflecting on the beauty of maintaining ties between generations.
