I soon married and had children of my own. But each time we would visit my parents’home, I would spot that golden treasure and wonder what story was held within. Many years passed as that box continued to sit with its mysterious contents, undisturbed.
The tragic loss of my father happened one spring day. Our friends and f***ly gathered to mourn the loss of the biggest hero in my life. He was the one I thought would never die.
After my father’s funeral, I found my mother in their room—on the bed they had shared for so many years, holding that treasured box in her delicate hands. With tears in her eyes and a lifetime of memories in her heart, she carefully untied the ribbon and opened that golden treasure.
On a yellowed piece of paper were written these words:
My Love, I go far away.
I have to go.
I cannot stay.
My love for you
I will hold dear,
Until that time I can hold you near.
So I ask, Darling, wait for me
While I am far across the sea.
’Til I return, Dear, just know this
I leave this box sealed with a kiss.
All My Love,
Frank
Then my mother told me this story: My parents met in high school when their best friends set them up on a blind date. As my parent’s friendship grew, their love also grew. They had planned on marrying as soon as they graduated from high school but “Uncle Sam” had other ideas.
Before my father went off to war, he wrote those wor