As an anniversary gift to S, last year I began writing him a letter in a journal every Monday. Sometimes, life got in the way, i.e. hospitalization, out of town trips, etc. but I always tried to make sure that some time that week that I wrote him a letter.
Sometimes the letters were about the week we had shared, things that had happened, ways he had blessed my heart (just to name a few). Always, always, the letter included what made him so special to me and how God had used him to bless me and others.
As I readied for bed last night I put my glass of water on my nightstand and saw the journal that I had forgotten to wrap and give him as part of his anniversary gift. I rushed (okay, truth be known, I hobbled) into the den and handed him the journal. He looked at me and immediately asked, "What's this?" I explained to him what it was and why I was giving it it him. He was so touched that for a few moments he didn't speak. I offered to continue to write my Monday letters if he wanted me to do so. He did. So, kids of ours, long after we are gone and you find this lavendar journal with a shadow-box framed "S" on the cover, you are invited to read what I've written.
And, know this...love is not something that is borrowed, bought or even traded...it is a gift - freely given. Your dad has blessed me, loved me and cared for me for 40 years. Isn't that something!
A long time ago I gave your dad an ID bracelet. Inscribed on the inside is a scripture that still holds today..."The mountains may pass away but my love will never die."
