Girl Scout Cookie Sales
Dear Dad,
I loved selling Girl Scout Cookies every year. The order form was so fun to read through each year, even though the cookies rarely changed. Thin Mints and Samoas became the showdown of the decade with everyone picking a side. I chose Thin Mints. Mom choses Samoas. And you, Phil, took the road less traveled and opted for a Chalet Creme or Tagalongs. You were just happy to have a cookie.
In order to maximize sales, you brought me to your law office so I could march door to door selling. You came with me to each lawyer’s office and each secretary’s cubicle. Forever the teacher, you stepped aside so I could make my pitch. If I got a no thank you, you pushed that person to buy at least one box. You were gentle with your persuasion, but also persistent.
Whatever words you used to persuade them had an underlying message of “How could you say no to my little girl who is asking you so nicely to buy these cookies?” You wanted me to be a successful cookie seller and an even happier little girl.
I came across an old order form in my scrapbook. As I scan the names of your colleagues, I recognize almost all of their names. Some hooked me up with great concert tickets when I was a teen. Some attended my wine tastings as an adult. To this day, so many of your colleagues tell me they remember my Girl Scout cookie days.
Selling Girl Scout cookies at Pryor has always been a strong memory. But as I write you this letter, I realized that you had such a sense of pride that your daughter would Girl Scout suit up and work hard to complete a sale. You felt confident parading me around your entire office because you knew I would smile, be polite, and make you look good. Most of all Dad, you wanted me to have everything I wanted. And if I needed more cookie sales, you were going to get that for me.
At some point, I’ll have to go to your office to collect your things, and to say goodbye to this huge part of your life. But because you shared that life with me, and you shared my life with your colleagues, I know I can go door to door and say hello to all the wonderful people you know.
You always made sure every door was open to me Dad. I promise I’ll walk through as many as I can.
