Inspired by a TikTok trend, three siblings from San Jose, California, orchestrated a heartwarming surprise for their retiring father, Tim Houlihan. After 41 years at Saint Francis High School, Tim's children, Matt, Brian, and Kelsey, recreated their childhood carpool experience on their dad's last day.
The siblings arrived at their parents' home at dawn, backpacks in tow, ready to relive their high school commutes. They curated a playlist featuring their dad's favorite driving tunes, including the ever-present Outkast hit, "Hey Ya." A stop at their beloved House of Bagels followed, mirroring their old routine.
Upon reaching the school, they parked in their designated spot, a familiar ritual from their youth. Before Tim stepped out, they sent him off with a quote from "The Princess Bride," a tradition he had maintained throughout their school years: "Have fun storming the castle."
Tim's career at Saint Francis encompassed various roles, from math teacher and bus driver to athletic director and construction manager. His final project involved overseeing the construction of a new building on campus, a testament to his dedication to the school. The siblings were touched to witness the outpouring of appreciation from Tim's colleagues, some of whom became emotional while bidding him farewell.
Matt, now a father himself, reflects on the significance of those car rides with his dad, realizing the value of the conversations and shared moments. He continues the "storming the castle" tradition with his own daughters, ensuring his father's legacy lives on.
