next to the elevated train tracks. For 20 years we listened to the roar of the train
as it passed by our bedroom window.
Late at night he would wait alone on the tracks for the train that would take him
to his job at a factory where he worked the midnight shift.
On one particular night, I waited with him to say good-bye. His face was grim. I
had been drafted and would be sworn in at six the next morning. At that time he
would be at his paper-cutting machine in the factory.
My father had talked about his anger. He didn't want them to take his child, only
19 years old, who had never had a drink or smoked a cigarette to fight a war in
Europe. He placed his hands on my slim shoulders.
"You be careful, and if you ever need anything, write to me and I'll see that you
get it."
Suddenly, he heard the roar of the approaching train. He held me tightly in his
arms and gently kissed me on the cheek. With tear-filled eyes, he murmured,
"I love you, my son."
Then the train arrived, the doors closed him inside, and he disappeared into the
night.
One month later while I was in Europe, my father died.
It is now 57 years later as I sit and write this. I once heard that memories are
our greatest inheritance and I have to agree.
I lived through four invasions in World War II. I've had a life full of all kinds
of experiences. But the memory that lingers is of the night when my Dad said,
"I love you, my son."
Written by Ted Kruger
*Thanks to Angela who sent me this story. May this story inspire you to tell your family members, parents or children how much you love them!!! Have a great day!
The Phoenix Foundation MWS!
In the late 50ies & early 60ties my old man {Railway Union President}, would keep plugging at the Br Administration to "grant us" - poor sods - rights!
Today, I watch my mother in law, recovering from her stroke, sans geriatric drugs @ 88 years of age, once a very proud frontier woman,
attempting to reclaim her dignity - as son in alaw, she will not like me to see her - pampas etc!
So I pretend I do not see when wife washes her in the morning etc until she is "suitably" dressed & presentable.
There have been so many of my friends parents who have been through this & MSW, i always stand aside & ask, the "big boss in the sky" - please do not take their dignity away from them.
But I digress!
I believe that we are put here on earth to make us understand the magic of the Divine.
Whilst, we throw arrows at the politicians, the poor sods are attempting to justify their existence to us the Rakyaat!
I face a somewhat dicey situation{details later} in 2 days time!
MWS!
Keep the little candle going & thank you for all you believe in!
Godspeed.