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The Letter

"May I have some paper and a pen?" asked John Dawson to the man who would be his executioner. "I want to write my son a letter." In the novel Dawn we do not learn what was written in the letter. We are left with the question; What exactly does a man write to his son for the last time?

This part of the book triggered memories of a letter I wrote to Katie Beth the night before my exploratory surgery. The idea of her growing up without me unhurled pain the likes I had never known. I prayed and asked God to help me as I wrote. The words flew onto the page. I shared my hopes and dreams for her future, words of wisdom I hoped she would treasure, and my faith.

My surgery went great and the letter was never delivered. I however was changed through the process. I have reread the letter a number of times. Usually I seek it when my world has gone fuzzy and I need the clarity found best in that very scary moment. What was originally intended as a road map for my daughter has turned into a plan of action and purpose for me. I am a better person for heeding my own advice and aspiring to the hopes and dreams written on that page. I could never of imagined how much a letter written in fear could turn into such a phenomenal blessing.

And now I will ask you to consider writing your own letter. What would you say if you knew this would be your last communique? It is amazing what is produced when the heart is squeezed.

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