I write this letter to you, with out knowing if it will even reach. Fifteen years, I agree, have been too long. I should have come to see you, when sis got married. I know, she was beautiful. I would have looked even stronger holding my nieces hand. I say niece, as it has been so long, as I do not remember her name. Shame reminds me every morning. The mirror, a cruel mistress. Glad to hear you got the old Buick running. I am terribly sorry to have burdened you with a chore. Even though I told you, “I got it so we can work on it together.” You would be so proud of me, now. I got a good paying job. Little above minimum, but stable. I enjoy it. I really plan to stick with it this time. Met a girl, too. She has helped me calm my anger. Makes keeping this job easier. It already been six months at this new strange building I work in. Weird how much you pay attention to time. Especially, when you mind wonders. My wife, now, she really lets in to me when I start acting up. You would absolutely love her. When she found out that I did not come see you in the hospital, she lit me up. Glad to see it was not the cancer that took you. I should have come to see you. I am so weak, but don’t worry. I have taken on all the demons that has plagued you. I remember so clearly as a child, “Your testin’ me satan! You aint gon’ win ta’ day no!” In your cover all uniform. Always busy. Never giving up. You truly are an inspiration to me and forever. So rest knowing I wrestle these demons, so my brothers do not have to. The family curse is safe within me now. I think about you all the time. If only I could have taken your place. Given you my life, so you could be an inspiration to some one else. God knows I keep trying to find some reason to give it away. …or take it away. I’m not worthy of this life you tried so hard to show me the brighter side of. What kills me most, is that I did not come to your funeral. Seeing you would have broken me. Seeing you in such a state of still. I don’t know what I would have done. I still don’t. Guess it is a good thing I didn’t see you. There are already so many violent, aggravated, bloody thoughts in my mind. I think you may have also been my trigger. To see the world with such need for anger. I am such a weak man. I can’t even write this letter without crossing words through tear soaked paper. I miss you. I know your welcome to a positive afterlife. I unfortunately know there isn’t even a hell waiting for me. Life has already proven I am not wanted. Only by you. And now your no more. Rest Grandfather. The world has lost a most valuable asset. I love you.
Sincerely,
The grandson you tried to teach me to be.
Narrative Nonfiction
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This was really sweet, and I felt like I got some beautiful insight into your relationship with your grandfather. Really heartwarming!
thank you. my grandfather will always be my inspiration. i lost him 2 years ago. i wrote this letter to him shortly after. albeit the original was more graphic and much longer. but none the less a real letter.
Hi I’m a professional photographer but starting to get my hands into the cinematography side and with your permission I would like to turn this story into a short film.
granted.