It’s Joe’s birthday...

Joe jumps out of bed and excitedly runs down the stairs. He rips opens his presents with Buddy’s help. Gran makes him a delicious football cake. Buddy helps him to blow out the candles.

Joe misses his dad being there but he speaks to him on the phone later that day.

Joe tells his dad about how many goals he thinks he’ll score in his new boots.

Thanks for all my birthday presents. I love my new kit!

“Be sure to send me a photo for my board! Ooooh, I wish I had a piece of Gran’s cake. You lucky thing!”

Sniff

Sniff

The following week, Joe takes out his memory box and places his birthday card from Dad inside.

Whenever he sees his Mum or Gran feeling a bit sad, he finds his memory box and they go through the photographs and special things together.

Talking about feelings is a good thing instead of keeping it all inside, Mum.

Whendidyoubecomeso clever, Joe? Come hereandgivemeacuddle.

It always helps them to remember the good times they shared with Dad.

Joe and his family add a few more photos to the box over time.

Joe’s dad even draws a picture of Buddy which makes him woof and wag his tail.

Buddy is a very lucky dog.

He gobbles up a gravy bone and goes to sleep on Joe’s knee dreaming of chasing rabbits over green fields.

Even though not everyone is living together at the moment, he