Henry II

The year was 1969. Mid June, I believe. My mother-in-law, Joann, and my father-in-law, Hank, were travelling out west. During their journey, they toured Carlsbad Caverns, the Grand Canyon, San Francisco, and finally, they arrived in Seattle, Washington. From what I know, they were taking a vacation, the last that they would have as a couple. For you see, at that time my mother-in-law was 4 months pregnant with my husband.

This was a happy vacation, I know, because I have witnessed the joy on their faces through aged photographs and old 35mm slides. One time, about a year or two ago, Joann showcased boxes and boxes of old slides, allowing us to peer into their dream vacation. Each flash of the slide would project a grainy image onto the white wall, and in the darkness of their living room, I couldn't help but smile because their contentment was so evident. A radiant mother-to-be; a proud father-to-be. Through the slides and through Joann's commentary, I felt part of their love and committment.

A couple days into their Seattle stay, they returned to their hotel room to retire for the evening. The date was June 21, 1969. That evening, after my in-laws laid down to rest, my father-in-law passed away in his sleep. He died of a heart attack at the age of forty-five.

My husband was born 5 months later, never having met his own father. Through the years, though, he has known him through anecdotes and photos; through music and letters. A while back Joann bestowed upon my husband a large box filled with cards, notes, and love letters from his father to his mother. I remember that evening vividly as Hank and I sat on our couch pouring over this bounty of love, and I spent most of that night crying. I felt as if I were mourning the loss of a man that I had never met. And yet I felt his presence through his words, hardpressed in ink in all those love letters.

We have my father-in-law's letters housed in a lovely, handpainted box. It rests on our bookshelf, and every day as I pass it, I can't help but be reminded of the transiency of life. There are days, like today, when little ones underfoot threaten to spoil my mood with their fussiness. And while it's hard not to succumb to irritation, I have to stop and remember just how precious my time with them really is. Some people, like my father-in-law, never had the chance to see their precious little beings while on earth.

Today is my father-in-law's birthday. He would have turned eighty years old. Thirty five years have passed since his last breath on earth, but I know for sure that right now his spirit is in heaven, and he is happy as he smiles down at us. His heart is content, and in a way, he lives in my husband. I feel him when my husband showers my babes with love. I see his smile in my husband's laughter, and I hear his voice in my husband's songs. And perhaps, yes perhaps his love has transcended to my son, Henry IV, because I sense him when my son giggles and dances. And his gentleness has made way to my daughter through her shy, coyness. I feel him every day. I know him and love him. And I can't wait to meet him.

Comments

[Vanessa]

What a beautiful entry. So many people say that the internet is cold and heartless but I believe your post is the perfect example to the contrary. Thank you for such a touching story to remind all of us of each precious day.

[pinky]

I'm a bawl of water now. That is a very neat story; it's very neat that you have his box of letters; you told it very well. I'm gonna go re-read it and cry some more now. :)

[Grace]

This entry was sad yet reassuring. Sad in that your husband never met his father. Reassuring in that love can be displayed and relayed through memories & photographs. Just beautiful!

[alexis]

That was so beautiful and moving... I'm tearing up over here. Anyone else need a tissue?

[Nurse Cox]

I never knew this story about Hank. How touching your words are! Pass the tissues, please....

[Amanda]

You've gone and ruined my mascara!

Great writing. I'm touched.

[Giao]

Oh my gosh, Leslie. That entry was so beautiful and moving and sad, sad, sad. Yet wonderful and happy at the same time. Thank you for sharing such an important piece of yours and Hank's family history with us. You're an amazing story teller.

[hope]

What a beautiful way to honor your father-in-law's birthday. Beautiful writing.

[violetismycolor]

I am so sorry that your husband never got to know his dad in person, but how wonderful that he has all these old documents to treasure and keep. Happy birthday to your dad-in-law, wherever he is.

[Charla]

What a wonderful entry, Leslie! You are so eloquent! Thank you for sharing a small glimpse into the "bones" of your family structure. It sounds like Henry is lucky to come from a such a rich legacy.

[jes]

oh my....I just didn't expect that when I clicked on to your site this morning! How lovely and touching and sad.
You told it beautifully....and like Pinky I'm going back to read it one more time!

[frecklegirl]

That is the saddest and sweetest story.

I need a tissue too.

[ani]

So sweet and heartbreaking. I got weepy idead. My husband never new his father either. Its been very hard on him. We can emphatize with you and your husband. You are a 100% right time is a very precious thing. We should be appreciative of what we have and who we share it with.

[Nathania]

What a lovely tribute to your father-in-law and how wonderful that his love lives in your husband as he interacts with your children. It's a great credit to your mother-in-law that she has helped your husband to have such a deep, strong connection to his father. That's so important. Thank you for sharing.

[alex]

You're smart *not* to take time spent with loved-ones for granted... : )

[justjenn]

what a great post. i would be heartbroken if i was your mother in law, luckily she has such a loving family.

[Yvonne]

I'm new, I found your journal via Hope. I'm going to return because this beautiful story made me cry. I lost my father when I was 13 and I only wished to get to know him a bit better. Things like letters to my mom and suddenly hearing his voice on a tape are precious. Thanks for sharing :o)

[Candi]

Simply beautiful..

[Marilyn]

Hi, found your site via Violet is My Color. Lovely post.