She found it when she was cleaning out her dressing table one day. It had a blue background and on the inside was the real treasure. It had been more than 6 years since she had opened it. Yet, she hadn’t thrown it away, despite moving 3 houses in that period.
With a slight shake, she put it back in the shelf and continued to sort out her perfume bottles and her nail polish stand. Neatly, she arrayed the make-up box alongside the cluster of earrings that stood by, shining and twinkling in the central shelf.
Stepping back, she surveyed the order with a sense of achievement and nodded her head. Her eyes strayed back to the object and with a big sigh, she reached for it. Tucking one leg under her, she dropped onto the bean bag in the portico and read the birthday card through at one glance. Tears fell fast and freely as each word registered in her aching heart.
‘My dearest S,
You are 16 now and yet, I remember the time when I picked you up when you were hardly sixteen seconds old. You are catching up with my age. I am the same age at heart 😉 Your turning 16 jolts me to the realisation that we have been apart for such a long time.  I still recall with a great deal of nostalgia the days (and they were such happy days) when you used to run around as a toddler. Well, we will not have them anymore.
Seriously, turning this age is a major milestone, when the way you see the world and the world sees you begins to change subtly. It is also the age when one begins to act and think responsibly and you are already living up to it. With this new move abroad, you will be gearing up for new challenges and I am sure you will measure up admirably.
Wishing you the best in the years to come. I know you will do us all proud in the years to come, wherever you go and whatever you do.
With lots of love,
Uncle B.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This was a card I received on my 16th birthday from a very dear uncle.
Eight years ago, I lost him to cancer. The pain is still raw on some days.
This card gives me solace and brings his face and smile alive for me, each time I read it.
Miss you, Uncle B. Far more than words can convey.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sadly, that’s true, Tulika. Technology, please go away!
We do love our memories, don’t we? Such pleasure amidst pain.
Very much so <3
Thank you nabanita. We try what we can.
I am glad too, Laurel. Very glad.
Hugs to you, Shailaja and thanks for sharing your memories. Letters and cards have a sneaky way of making you tear up even though you may think time has healed those scars.
I have lots of keepsakes like this, and I wonder what someone will do with them after I’m gone, but I won’t be around to worry about it then. Cherish it!
So sorry for *your* loss. I love your ability to tell stories, and that card from your Uncle is just precious. He obviously loved you very much. (hugs)
So beautiful. Such memories old things evoke. How I wish we could preserve more and more of them…
Oh, I am sorry for your loss, Shailaja. I too keep cards from loved ones — the special ones.
I’m so sorry for your loss Shailaja. I am glad you have a special memento to remember him by.
This is a lovely, emotional and raw piece of writing.
So sad and honest
Enjoyed
Ally 🙂
This is a lovely testament to your relationship with your dear uncle, and written so lovingly.
This was so heart touching and sweet. Hand written cards always gives you a feel of comfort and attachment.
What a very special memory to have/hold/and share! I’m so sorry to hear of your loss.
Far better than the ubiquitous e-mail, isn’t it? I can actually hear the words as he used to say them. That, and his beautiful handwriting mean so much to me.
It’s nice to have something physical to comfort you and remind you of someone so dear.
It seems your uncle was as fond of you as you are of him. I’m sorry for your loss and I hope you find comfort in the cherished memories.
That’s such a warm letter to a 16 year old. It’s wonderful that you have memories like these to treasure from someone you were fond of. May his soul RIP. Hugs to you!
Such a precious treasure!! A really sweet letter, I can tell how very fond he was of you!
Such a lovely memento for you Shailaja, glad that you have such great memories of him to hold on to.
Handwritten cards and letters have just disappeared, isn’t it? That’s such a pity because they were such tangible memories. You tend to forget mails and smses far more easily than a handwritten card. And that was such a sweet one.
My eyes are moist. Every day during the summer, I look out on red dahlias growing in my garden. The original tubers were given to me by a friend who died from cancer some 17 years ago. As long as these flowers grow a part of her will remain alive for me.
Beautiful sentiments….This card must be so precious to you! Hugs!
Memories…These are permanent ..Ofcourse the loss can’t be expressed in words but memories keep the person alive in our hearts…Beautiful piece Shailaja
What a beautiful sentiment – I’m glad you have a tangible memory of your uncle that lasts even though he is gone.
I have some old letters, not all. But the memories are so precious, I agree. Thank you for reading and sharing your views <3
An eternal memory, Shashank. Thank you for reading.
A memory and card to cherish forever. Thanks for sharing Shailaja 🙂
A touchy note. Being a lover of handwritten greeting cards and letters, I exactly know this sentiment. These things are so precious, I still keep all those old cards which I received in the past decades.