CEDAR FALLS, IA — Area mother Diane Kowalski, 41, confirmed Monday that she has written a personalized, handwritten encouragement note for her son Bryce’s lunchbox every single school day since kindergarten, a six-year streak Bryce, now 11, described as “news to me.”

Kowalski, who rises approximately twelve minutes early each morning to select an appropriate Bible verse or motivational phrase, fold the note into the shape of a star, and tuck it beside the sandwich, said she had always assumed Bryce was reading them quietly and “internalizing the message.” Bryce clarified that he opens the lunchbox, moves the note to access the chips, and considers the matter resolved.

“I thought they were, like, coupons or something,” said Bryce Kowalski, 11, a fifth grader at Fairview Elementary. “I didn’t know she was writing them. I thought they just came with the bag.”

“I write things like ‘You are seen and loved’ and ‘God made you on purpose.’ He thought they were coupons. They were not coupons.”

Diane’s husband, Todd Kowalski, 43, noted that the notes represent “easily the most consistent spiritual discipline in this household,” surpassing both family devotions and the Bible-in-a-year plan they abandon each February.

When shown a sample note reading I am so proud of you — Love, Mom, Bryce stared at it for a long moment before asking if he was in trouble.

At press time, Diane had already written tomorrow’s note.