Although it’s been a while since my father’s death, I still miss him. He was a man of integrity, a musician, a family person, a fan of great food and the Dallas Cowboys. Don’t get me wrong, Dad wasn’t perfect. He was strong in character, but often overly stern with his words and tone of voice. However, he made up for that with his sincere apologies, love for family, and great sense of humor. He possessed an uncanny ability to see the details in his surroundings. He could look straight through you and know your heart. Nothing escaped his notice, but he loved me anyway. What a precious gift to have a dad who was flawed, yet who loved like Jesus when it came to the people in his life (Ephesians 6:24, ESV).
My father loved to write. When I close my eyes and think of him, I can still hear the clicking of the typewriter keys and the ding of the return. That keyboard was his portal to connecting with friends and family who didn’t live nearby. He also took great delight in sharing handwritten messages in his exquisite cursive. As I got older, every birthday card included heartfelt words handwritten by Dad. He also loved sending cards to friends for special occasions and often wrote impromptu letters to my mom and me.
As an only child, it was always just the three of us—Mom, Dad, and me. When I was about 18 years old, Dad shared with me what my mom had always known, saying, “If anything ever happens to me, go directly to the bank. Do not tell them I’ve died. Ask to see the safety deposit box. Empty it and leave.” This is yet another example of demonstrating his love with incredible attention to detail.
Quite a few years had passed, but that day finally arrived. After a long battle with illness, my dad left this earth late one afternoon. My mom and I did not make it to the hospital in time to say goodbye. However, I believe he made the choice to leave the darkness of this world and step into the light before our arrival. We sat by his side, held his hands, and a tender peacefulness filled the room.
As we left the hospital, Mom and I locked eyes and simultaneously said, “Safety deposit box!” But the banks were closed for the day. Therefore, first thing the next morning, Mom and I obediently marched into the bank. Since banks are required to deny access to the box as soon as they receive a death certificate, just as Dad instructed, we said nothing about his passing.
In the center of the bank, there was a small, stuffy room where clients privately viewed the contents of their safety deposit boxes. After the bank officer opened the door to the tiny room, Mom and I sat and stared at the long, slender, steel box on the table. The soft rustle of bank customers and employees floated through the wood paneling. My mom’s hand trembled as she turned the brass key, and I held my breath in anticipation. Once the box was unlocked, we discovered a precious gift of love. My father had left a treasure of handwritten letters, one for me and one for my mom, along with an additional letter addressed to both of us.
As we picked up each envelope, it became clear Dad had written additional letters to me. One written after my wedding, another after the birth of my first child, and one more after the birth of my second child. Mom and I took our time opening each envelope, reading every sentence, and tearfully reflecting on Dad’s heartfelt words of love. From a God-honoring husband and father—each letter ended with this phrase, “Until we meet again at Jesus’ feet.” Those seven words still touch my soul in indescribable ways.
Interestingly, something happens to our hearts when someone close to us dies. We shift our attention to focus solely on the love and laughter shared. Somehow, the difficult times fade into the background and become less important. It’s too bad we rarely take the time to see our loved ones this way while they are still among the living.
Reflecting on my father’s letters fills my heart with gratitude for God, who loves His children more than any earthly parent. God is wise, powerful, faithful, and steadfast. He lavishes us with His mercy, grace, and compassion (Ephesians 1:7-8, ESV). We can bask in the security of the Savior as He covers us with His unconditional love. Sing praises to our glorious God and be mindful of the day we will sit at the feet of Jesus.
by Meg Duncan 
by Linsey Driskill 
by Harmony Vuycankiat 
