Dad’s Last Words

If a letter that has been lost for years shows up for you, who would it be from and what would it say? I have been hesitant about posting this one. This is fictional but it is based on what I wish would happen. My grandfather is the dad in this story.

It’s a daily ritual that Brent completes. He pulls into the drive, grabs the mail, goes inside and starts dinner. He hadn’t seen the envelope in the middle of the stack at first. Yellowing with age, it looked as though it had been through the wringer a few times. He knew it was delivered correctly though. His name and old address were on the front with the forwarding label. There was no return address though, so he couldn’t guess who sent it right away. Brent slit open the envelope and instantly feels cold. He knows that handwriting. but his dad died almost ten years ago. Checking the post mark Brent realizes that that the letter was mailed the day his dad died. Which means this is the answer he has been waiting for. His dad hadn’t left a note. Brent had no clue why his dad had chosen to leave the way he had. With shaking hands, he unfolds the letter. As if it were yesterday Brent can hear his father’s voice again.

Dear Brent,

I’m sorry I must do this to you, but I don’t want to be a burden. The pain is getting intense. And I’m afraid the doctor will have bad news for me. I would fight if I was a younger man, but I don’t want too anymore. It’s not like I’m young like your mother was. I’d rather choose my ending on my terms. You have your daughters to think of. You need to be here for them. Not tied up taking care of me when I could be slipping away slowly. You mean everything to me and I’m proud of the man you are.

 I love you,

Dad.

When Brent finally finished reading it for the third time he sat the letter down slowly. Yes, his dad chose to leave, but it was Brent’s benefit not his own. Brent wasn’t sure what answer he had been looking for or wanted but at least they were finally here. He decided not to tell his daughters about the letter now. But he would save it if they ever asked about it again. Silently, Brent thanked his dad for raising him. Then he picked up the phone to call his girls and catch up with their lives.