This is my wallet and yes, it has an Ariel sticker on it. When I pull it out to pay for things, people always laugh at me. They make jokes. Ask me if she’s my favorite princess. I have even been accused of being gay. True story, but I digress. Point is, it’s funny to people, especially when I am working. I don’t flip my wallet over. I don’t try to hide it, in fact it’s just the opposite. When I am waiting to pay for things I trace the outline with my thumb, over and over, without thinking about it.

Why would I subject myself to something like this, you may ask. Why, when people are laughing at me, would I not just take it off? Ella gave it to me, that’s why. It is a badge of honor for me. It was placed there by the most beautiful three year old the world has ever seen. After she put it there, she traced the outline of it with her fingers to be sure it was attached. She made me promise that I would never take it off and I take my promises to my girls very seriously. Once you break one, the word loses it’s meaning forever.

Two years ago Ella entrusted me with a sticker of her favorite princess. When I am in line somewhere I trace it, just to be sure it’s attached. Sometimes I tell people why its there and sometimes I don’t. Sometimes I listen to their snide little comments knowing that I am holding the morally superior hand. The reason I have that sticker on my wallet far exceed the most important thing these people have ever done in their lives.

Let them tell their friends the story of the cop that has the Ariel sticker on his wallet. Please, think that shows weakness. Please. Let them laugh. It doesn’t matter because the smile I get from Ella every time she sees it makes me proud to show it.

When dads see it, they give me the knowing smile, the nod. They know what’s up. It’s like a secret handshake of a secret club. There is nothing more important in my life than my girls. I will have this wallet for the rest of my life. I may not use it forever, but I will never throw it away. That would be like throwing part of Ella away. This sticker has brought me more joy then you can imagine.

I’ve earned this sticker, just like some of you have earned awards and promotions. Through love and hard work.

This is my wallet.