This is the 43rd most frequent Latvian word.
tāpēc
"Therefore" or "because of that."
The word 'tāpēc' is used here to establish a cause-and-effect relationship, linking the reason (being late) with the result (not attending the meeting).
Es kavējos, tāpēc nevarēju ierasties uz tikšanos.
I was late, therefore I couldn't attend the meeting.
In this sentence, 'tāpēc, ka' introduces a cause explaining the reason for the action (taking an umbrella).
Tāpēc, ka ārā līst lietus, es paņēmu lietussargu.
Because it's raining outside, I took an umbrella.
Here, 'tāpēc' demonstrates a conclusion or consequence derived from the prior action (help given leading to expression of gratitude).