Max rubbed Scruffy’s ears and sighed. “I miss her.”

Scruffy laid his head on Max’s lap and let out a low moan.

“Guess you miss her, too.” Max shook his head. “You know what we used to do when we were courting? We’d write one another the most beautiful letters. I wish I could write her a letter again.”

Scruffy cocked his head at Max, almost if asking him why he couldn’t.

“Hmm. You’re right, old boy. I suppose I could still write my sweet bride a letter. And maybe for old time’s sake, I could even mail it where she used to live. I’ll never forget her address. 123 Main St. Can you believe it? It’s been over 50 years since I wrote to her there and I still remember it, plain as day. Her letters got me through my days in the army. I tell you, boy, whenever one of her letters showed up, my spirits were set right, no matter what had happened. And I know she loved my letters, too. It showed her I didn’t forget about her, even being halfway around the world.” Max stood and moved to the writing desk. “Now she’s even farther than that, but I’m still going to write.”

He pulled out a fresh sheet of stationery and poured out his heart. After folding it into an envelope, he addressed it, stamped it, and dropped it in the mailbox.

~*~

Annabelle sighed and rubbed Whiskers’ ears. “I miss him.”

Whiskers laid her head on Annabelle’s lap and let out a low meow.

“Guess you miss him, too. Well, sitting around here moping won’t do any good. I just heard the mailman drive by. I suppose I’ll go get the mail.” Annabelle headed out to the box at the end of the driveway. She pulled out the stack and blinked at the envelope on top. It was addressed to “My Sweet Girl” at 123 Main Street. What on earth?

She brought the mail inside and immediately opened the intriguing envelope.

“My sweet girl,

I know it doesn’t make sense to write to you. How will you ever get my letter? But your letters meant so much to me during the war that I just had to write to you. I miss you so much. We haven’t been apart for years. I miss seeing your smile, hearing your laughter, and holding you in my arms.”

Annabelle gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. With trembling legs, she lowered herself onto the sofa. How was this possible? She continued reading.

“I just wanted to let you know that no matter how far apart we are, I will always love you and will never forget you. Thank you for being the light of my life. Love, your soldier.”

Annabelle stared at the letter. Of course it wasn’t from Ralph. Ralph was in heaven. But this letter, so soon after his death, was nothing short of a miracle from God. God somehow directed this letter to her so she’d know she wasn’t forgotten. And for him to sign it as “your soldier” was incredible. She’d written so many letters to Ralph when he was in the army. Who could this man be?  Whoever he was, he must be grieving as well. She needed to return the favor. She immediately pulled out a piece of paper and began writing.

~*~

Max flipped through the day’s mail and stopped at the familiar return address. His heart pounded. Never had he imagined a reply when he sent the letter. But one had somehow arrived. “It’s not from Mary. I know it’s not.” But still, he couldn’t tamp down the excitement as he read.

“My dear soldier,

Imagine my delight to receive a letter from you. All those letters you sent carried me through the dark years of the war. Each letter gave me hope of a future with you. I never thought I’d have the chance to write to you again. What a wonderful surprise and blessing to receive this letter from you. I miss you terribly, but I know you are safe. I love you even more today than I did back then. Thank you for your letter. It eased a little of the ache in my heart.

Love, your sweet girl.”

Max’s hand shook as tears rolled down his cheeks. Somewhere out there was someone who had a past very much like he and Mary had. And God connected them. He got out a pen and another piece of paper and began writing.

~*~

One year later

Annabelle smoothed her skirt and paced the front hall.

              “Grandma, stop. You have to relax.”

              Annabelle turned to her granddaughter. “How can I relax? I’m meeting Max today.”

              Jayna shook her head. “You’ve been writing each other every week for a year. You know everything about one another. Why are you so nervous?”

              “Seeing him in person isn’t the same as writing. What if he doesn’t like me? What if he’s only visiting because he feels obligated to while he’s in town visiting his sister?”

              Jayna frowned. “Grandma. If he didn’t want to visit you, he wouldn’t visit you. And if he didn’t like you, he wouldn’t keep writing to you. So just relax and enjoy your time together.”

              Annabelle moved into the kitchen. “Do you think I have enough snacks for when he comes?”

              Jayna put her hands on Annabelle’s shoulders. “Yes, I do. It’s going to be fine.”

              A car door slammed, and Annabelle jumped. “He’s here!”

Isaiah 54:10

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

God, You see us when we’re lonely. Help us to remember we’re never alone, not when we have You in our lives. And while many of us have lost loved ones who can never be replaced, what a blessing when You bring others into our lives to love. The greatest gift of all is love. Thank You so much for loving us and for giving us people to love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.