The little moments that say "I love you, Dad"

When you think about fatherhood, it's easy to picture the big milestones. The first day of school. Graduation. Moving out.

But ask dads what they remember most, and it's often the smaller moments that stick. The cuddles on the sofa. The lift to football practice. Sitting up all night with a poorly child. Being the one they run to when they need a hug.

In fact, our latest research found that 89% of dads believe fatherhood is built on lots of little moments rather than major milestones. And the memory they treasure most? Watching their child fall asleep on their chest and not wanting to move an inch.

That's what inspired our Father's Day partnership with Irish poet and bestselling author, Daragh Fleming.

Daragh has written an exclusive poem for Moonpig, celebrating the dads who show their love not through grand gestures, but through showing up, day after day.

I love you, Dad

By Daragh Fleming

I love you, Dad and I know we don't always say it. You're from a world where men couldn't exactly express how they feel.

But you've always shown it – A father who's consistent is heroic. You've been here without fail whether I just needed a lift to training or you were putting us beneath the arm of your coat when it was raining.

Helping us with our homework despite a long day at work yourself, cooking every night before mom got home was how you showed us you loved her as well.

It's never been big gestures, and it never had to be. Steady brushstrokes and reliability was how you painted your masterpiece.

Turning up for your children every day of our lives is how you show your love and so I –

I just wanted to say I love you, too.

And if I ever have girls, or boys, I know you'll show your love them in your own way as a grandfather too.

Daragh Fleming

The poem struck a chord with us because it's all about something we believe in too: the moments that matter. The ones that feel ordinary at the time, but end up meaning everything later. In fact, 81% of dads told us that some of their most important memories seemed to pass by in a flash.

That's why cards can mean so much. Whether it's a favourite photo, a memory that makes you both laugh, or simply the words "I love you", they help turn those fleeting moments into something Dad can keep forever. It's no surprise that 34% of people creating personalised Father's Day cards upload a photo, while 88% of heartfelt Father's Day messages include the word "love".

This Father's Day, we've turned Daragh's poem into two exclusive cards, helping people tell Dad something that sometimes doesn't get said often enough.

After all, it's often the little moments that mean the most.

If you're still looking for the perfect Father's Day card, there's still time to make Dad smile. Browse our Father's Day collection and order yours today.