When a loved one is away, all you need to do is call. But when a loved one is gone, what do you do? As she sat there pondering, she started to write so she wouldn't forget..

A Letter to Heaven

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For Pappy;

I miss you.

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She glanced at the calendar on the wall. It was marked 6th of May. It has almost been a month since pappy went home, she thought wistfully. Sighing, she glanced at the pile of homework in front of her. The sight of it made her feel jaded. She decided to cleared up her desk and do something else instead. She lost the mood to continue with her homework.

She stretched her arms to get her joints working and gingerly left the room. The late afternoon sunlight spilled through the glass doors of the verandah and into the living room. The marble floor felt cool under her feet. She dropped by the bookshelves lining the hallway and took a few photo albums with her into the veranda. She leaned on the railing staring into space, apparently lost in her own world. Coming out of her stupor, she sat down and flipped through the albums. A gentle breeze blew wisps of her dark wavy hair.

Looking at the photos, she smiled wistfully as she recalled fond memories of her stepfather whom she fondly calls pappy. A wave of sadness overwhelmed her as she was reminded how much she missed him. While she was reminiscing, an idea came into her head. Gosh, why didn’t I think of that earlier? She mentally smacked her head and rushed to get a pen and a piece of paper. Closing her eyes, she mentally played a slideshow of her memories with pappy. A small smile painted her lips as she started to write…

Dear Pappy,

How are you? I miss you so much. It is really lonely without you here. I miss your bony hugs, broad smile and reassuring gaze. I guess I haven’t been seeing nor feeling it much these past few months. Its okay, I perfectly understand. You can’t do those anymore but I still miss them. Sometimes even photographs are not adequate. They’re still lifeless captured moments of reality.

Mom is all right, just feels a little upset with work at times. There are times when she gets really mad at me for a small things and I feel hurt and scared. I guess she’s taking it out on me -unintentionally of course- but I think I understand. I have myself to blame too since I did cause it to happen in a way. I remember that you always tell me that she’s this way because she is stressed. I didn’t understand what you meant then but I think I know now. Life must be tough for her too I guess. She’s been ranting about her job and her supervisor too. I feel sorry for her, I really do. And sometimes I really want to help ease her mind but I don’t know what to do. What would you do, pappy?

Anyway, what is it like there where you are right now? Have you scouted for the best place to eat yet? I still remember what Aunt Violet told you on that day before you left. Though I didn’t get to see your last smile, I don’t regret anything because I know I have given you my best as a daughter. It is kinda comforting to know that you’re much better off there. At least, you won’t be burdened anymore – physically or otherwise. Are there dozens of streets like they say? I can’t wait to see it with my own eyes.

School’s is all right. Though for some reason, it’s getting a little monotonous even though I’m going to sit for my major exam in October. I must admit that I have been ‘late’ a few times initially but don’t worry; we’re getting along fine now. Just that I had to write countless letters to compensate myself for those times I was late. It’s embarrassing to walk in late especially when I’m obviously dressed in the blur uniform of a prefect. But as they say, life goes on. I’ll be retiring soon too. I’m starting dislike my prefect duties a little. Probably because of the annoying bunch of juniors causing trouble lately.

Hey pappy, now I’m the APD for the motivational-study camps I coached for. It’s quite an achievement and I’m honored to be selected. Apparently I’m the youngest and the first female to be one too. In the last camp during relationship segment, the kids were really moved by your story. I bet they want to meet you too. Wish I could see you right now. I’m still getting used to not having you around. When are you coming back?

Anyway, I think I’ve written a lot. It’ll be a long time till I join you but I’ll write to you again in the near future. Love you and miss you dearly.

Sincerely with love, hugs & kisses,
Your daughter,

Josephine

The hours stretched on without her realizing it. When she did finished writing, she capped her pen with flourish. She reread the letter and smiled with satisfaction. She carefully folded it and sealed it in an envelope. With childlike faith, she prayed silently – hoping the letter would reach him somehow. On the face of the envelope she wrote;

To my beloved Pappy
God’s right hand side
Heaven

– The End –

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