Jen
When I got the letter in the mail, I was shocked. It had my name right there among the family. When Harry died, he left me shocked. For days I asked myself why it had to be him, and why it had to be so sudden. I guess with the elderly all it takes is a strong breeze and the fire within them can burn out. But still, he was so strong. I had cared for him every day for four years at that point. He would always tell me stories about his travels. He still wrote letters to his friends in Europe until days before he died. Always with the same ending, “Until we meet again.” Part of me always hoped that they would meet again.
When I went to see the family and collect what he had left me, I was met with nothing but distant greetings that were obviously just common courtesy. They never really saw me as anything more than Henry’s help, but I was his friend too. I was there in those last days, and I was there every… single… day before that. They only visited once a week. I may have only known him for four years, but when you are the sole caregiver for someone for that long, you really get to know them. I really knew Henry, probably more than his grandchildren.
When they handed me his little black journal, I was touched that Henry could trust me with his stories. You could tell they never cared to look inside because if they did, they would have seen the hand written note on the first page.
Dear Jen,
This is the book that I wrote while I traveled across the world, in here you will find my favorite places in the world. I have highlighted the places that I wish for you to visit. At each highlighted location you will find $2,500 and a letter. I wrote these letters to be given to you by one of my personal friends along with the $2,500. I ask that you take my friends out to dinner to thank them for taking part in this, they mean the world to me. I hope you enjoy the trip! Your first check is on page 67. I'll be with you all the way.
Until we meet again,
Henry
After reading those final words, I couldn’t help breaking down crying right there in my car. Henry went through all this effort to send me on a trip around the world, knowing that I could never afford to travel. Once I was able to stop crying I threw the car in reverse and went to pack a bag. That was the first time I had ever made the tires on a car screech, and it would not be the last. After all, I was going to Italy.
Henry
I felt bad for Jen on the flight over here. She had to sit in the cabin of the airplane while I could come in and out as I pleased. I could fly to the ocean’s surface while she was sleeping or watching a 3 year old rom-com. But now that I was walking down the streets of Edinburgh with her and my good friend Jeremy, I couldn't help but wish I could say hello one last time. But that will have to wait until we meet again.
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