To “My Dearest”: A Precious Glimpse into the Past

A glimpse into the past

I had a special moment yesterday when I caught a glimpse into the past. This letter was written on my birthday, but thirty-one years prior to my birth. And it was written just six days after my mother was born, by her father, stationed away from his family during WWII.

December 8, 1943

“My Dearest”

How precious to read his handwriting to his “dearest” about his happiness to receive the telegram about the birth of their second baby girl. While he gave some news of the goings-on about him, he more mused about how his family was doing. He so wanted her to be well and happily settled back at home. He must have been so anxious to hold his new daughter!

I can’t imagine being apart at birth and yet I know it happens regularly, families separated by wars, external or internal.

I am so grateful for the examples all of my grandparents, parents, and in-laws have set by demonstrating steadfastness and faithfulness in their marriages, even when external forces made that so hard. We will strive to do the same.

I can imagine my sweet “Poppy” young and in uniform, pouring out his love on paper. and imagining his wife and new baby so far away and still in the hospital. I picture his heart welling up to be with them. He let his JOY loose!

“Your Loving Husband”

My grandfather signed his letter “your loving husband”, and he remained most definitely so for the duration of his long life. I’m so thankful I got to have this glimpse into his heart this week. What a treasure for my mom to still have his letter, and to know how happy he was about her arrival all those years ago!

Have you enjoyed any glimpse into the past that have touched your heart and caused you to be grateful? Tell me about it in the comments!