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From Amelia |
As I looked over her belongings, I noticed a red box that Amelia had slid under her bed. Pulling the foot-long box across the floor, I heard something metal hit the hard wood, making a clinking sound. Sitting on her soft bed, I leaned over to see what had collided with the ground. I could not see at first what had made the sound, so I ran my hand over the surface of the floor. My hand found itself resting on a small aluminum key, the kind that would bend easily if twisted just right. Taking it in my hand, I brought the small red, wooden box to my lap. There was a lock on the side, which conveniently matched the small key. With a click, the box snapped open. Inside, there were several letters folded neatly into squares.
I took one the letters into my hands and unfolded the mysterious literature. It was apparently a love letter to someone she loved dearly. However, she’d never mentioned being interested in anyone, after all, she was just fourteen. The letter was dated last week and was written as follows:
From Amelia:
I wanted to thank you for always being there for me when I needed a shoulder to lean on. You gave me strength to fight the battle. I know if I was without you, my life would not be worth enduring. Please never leave me. I need to feel your arms around me during this time of hardship.
Amelia had never mentioned anyone. I could only wonder whom she referred to. I always tried to shield her from the vultures and did what I could to make sure she wouldn’t end up as the majority of girls do today. However, perhaps I was a bit overprotective. I wish I’d let her live a little more and not held her back. Protection is good but overprotection is almost as harmful as having none.
I began to unfold another neatly packaged letter. It was dated four days ago and was written as follows:
From Amelia:
I found out today that I am terminal. I probably won’t live to be fifteen. I wanted to thank you though. You’ve been what keeps me going. I know you will continue to hold me and never let me go. When I’m gone, please let my mom and dad know how much you really cared for me.
Tears had begun to swell in my eyes as I finished her second letter. Amelia was diagnosed with a terminal disease. The disease had reached the point where no amount of attention could remove it. Amelia endured this ordeal as a champ. She never once showed discouragement. The doctors had released her to spend her last days with my wife and I.
One letter remains. I slowly open the final piece to the puzzle. It was dated yesterday and was written as follows:
From Amelia:
My time is almost gone. I have fought my demons and have overcome them with your help. I am ready to go, but please never leave me. I cherish your love and long for your embrace. Thank you, Jesus, for being my strength and encouragement. Please, Jesus, be my parents’ when I am gone.
My hands trembling as I read the last sentence, I felt the warmth of someone’s arms around me. I felt peace comfort my troubled spirit. Amelia was gone, but her best friend kept His word. I wept in silence as He cradled me in His soothing arms.
