One early Monday morning when I went to my grandpa's old house. The place so quiet, and everything in the compound still looked the same. I just went there to search for a family photo we that we needed to use for his memorial. I never intend to stay longer in the house.
I went into his study, a little room filled with his books and lots of dust. When I opened the drawer, expecting to find the photo quickly, then I saw one of his wooden box. This box was wrapped with string of red ribbon, and my name was boldly written on top in my grandpa's handwriting.
When I looked at it, I was confused on what to do. I carefully sits on the chair and watched it for some minutes. Then I slowly opened it. Inside the box were letters all written by Grandpa. Each envelope had a separate title: When assume to be Lost, When You Are not happy, When You Fall in Love, When You Fail, and more.
The first letter was on top. It said “Open First.”
I took a deep breath and opened it.
“My dear grandson,
I assume that you're reading this letter right now, which means I’m no longer with you. But always have it in your mind that am always with you in your heart. These letters is the only means which I can use to stay close with you again.
I know that you are a strong man, even when life gets tough. Remember your kind heart, and don’t let too much pain takes it away from you. Life is not always fair, but how your method approach it will determine who you are.
Read the next letters only when you really need them. I love you.
Grandpa”
Tears fell out of my eyes as I read through the letter. It felt like he was talking to me directly from heaven. I put the letter on my chest. Which gave me comfort I didn’t even know I needed.
I never show any concern about the photo I came to search. I just sat down there, reading the same letter over and over again. It reflects my mind back to when grandpa usually give me advice about life.
My mind flashed back to the last thing he told me before he passed away: “You’ll be okay, even when things get tough.” Back I barely understood what he meant by that word, but I now understand.
I ended up viewing two more letters, even though I promised myself to wait for the right time. I just couldn’t hold myself . One of them was titled “When You Are Broke and Broken.”
That one made me cry again.
“There will be days when you don’t have money, and your heart will feel heavy. That doesn’t make you a failure. You are not your bank account. You are not your mistakes. Even trees lose their leaves in winter but grow again in spring. You will rise again too. Don’t give up.”
I sat on the floor, cleaning the tears in my eyes. Is just as if the old man knew the right time for me to read the letter.
That day in the evening, I called my younger sister. Before I could open my mouth she asked if am okay. Because I look sad.
I told her what I had found, and she smiled over the phone. Then she said something I’ll never forget:
“You know, I used to think Grandpa loved you more. But now I understand he just knew you needed more love.”
That night, sleep ran out from my eye. I lay down in bed with one of the letter beside me. I was just thinking how I have been living my life and how I was always chasing after money, success, or people’s recommendations. But at that point, what gave me peace of mind is not any of those things. It was the words of my grandpa, written long ago, reminding me to always stand my ground at hard times.
The next day, I dropped the box on my table and promised myself, that I would not open any of those letters until the right time. These are not just ordinary letters, they are lovely memories and wisdom words wrapped inside a box.
I didn't find the picture I came for, but the wooden box which contains those letters are more precious compare to the pictures. My grandpa gave me something I will never forget which is his words of wisdom, his heart, and his love, which are all written in letter that will help me navigate through life.