A Letter Across Time

June 14 2025

407 words

Photo by: Pixabay - Photography

”I have a letter from Papa?” questioned 24 year old Stuart. “How can this be? He died fifteen years ago.”

Christina, who had lost the love of her life back then, the father of her three children, smiled one of those knowing smiles. “When he learned that he was dying your father made a decision. He knew deep down that he loved you and your brother and sister more than anything in the world.” Christina paused as her love for Norman caught her off guard again. “While his life was ending he wanted you to hear the advice that he would have given you if he was still alive at the time of your marriage.”

Alexandra, Stuart’s bride to be, gasped loudly. Stuart took her hand.

“I am only starting to fully realize how special he was. I knew he was quite something before but this….” he started as tears flooded down his cheek.  Alexandra turned and hugged him while his emotions came to the surface once more. 

Christina sat and watched the young couple as they grappled with the intent of Norman’s involvement in their lives all these years later. Stuart looked up. Christina smiled as she lifted the letter and handed it to her son. She had done everything in her power to honour the decisions Norman and she had made years earlier. Norman would have been proud of his son, who resembled him so much. “I don’t know what he wrote,” she started as Stuart opened the envelope. “He wanted that to be between the two of you,” she said as she rose. 

Alexandra rose as well. “I think I will go with you,” she said to Christina. Turning to Stuart she said, “Your mom is right. This is about you. If you choose to tell me at some point that is fine but for now, this is yours and your dad’s moment.” She hooked her hand in Christina’s and they left the room. 

Stuart paused after reading the letter. “Thank you Papa,” he said quietly as he contemplated his father’s loving words from across time.

When his mother and Alexandra returned to the room he asked quietly, “Are there other letters?”

Christina smiled knowingly. “There is one more that will be delivered at the right time,” she replied as she hugged her son, happy that Norman had the foresight to see that his letters would reach through time. His love was truly eternal.