She found it when she was cleaning out her dressing table one day. It had a blue background and on the inside was the real treasure. It had been more than 6 years since she had opened it. Yet, she hadn’t thrown it away, despite moving 3 houses in that period.
With a slight shake, she put it back in the shelf and continued to sort out her perfume bottles and her nail polish stand. Neatly, she arrayed the make-up box alongside the cluster of earrings that stood by, shining and twinkling in the central shelf.
Stepping back, she surveyed the order with a sense of achievement and nodded her head. Her eyes strayed back to the object and with a big sigh, she reached for it. Tucking one leg under her, she dropped onto the bean bag in the portico and read the birthday card through at one glance. Tears fell fast and freely as each word registered in her aching heart.
‘My dearest S,
You are 16 now and yet, I remember the time when I picked you up when you were hardly sixteen seconds old. You are catching up with my age. I am the same age at heart 😉 Your turning 16 jolts me to the realisation that we have been apart for such a long time.  I still recall with a great deal of nostalgia the days (and they were such happy days) when you used to run around as a toddler. Well, we will not have them anymore.
Seriously, turning this age is a major milestone, when the way you see the world and the world sees you begins to change subtly. It is also the age when one begins to act and think responsibly and you are already living up to it. With this new move abroad, you will be gearing up for new challenges and I am sure you will measure up admirably.
Wishing you the best in the years to come. I know you will do us all proud in the years to come, wherever you go and whatever you do.
With lots of love,
Uncle B.
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This was a card I received on my 16th birthday from a very dear uncle.
Eight years ago, I lost him to cancer. The pain is still raw on some days.
This card gives me solace and brings his face and smile alive for me, each time I read it.
Miss you, Uncle B. Far more than words can convey.
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