Paul Jennings Brackney died on November 23, 1993 leaving behind his wife of 52 years Martha. A long battle with prostate cancer and diabetes finally took his last breath with his loving wife at his side. A slight hint of a lipstick kiss graced his forhead even during the funeral. Half a century of marriage. A love that last through several wars and producing four children, a girl, a boy, and fraternal twins that sadly only one survived. Martha was a strong woman, but broken hearted.
Losing her husband a few days before Thanksgiving and his burial the day after Thanksgiving gave Martha a bout of depression. She was alone for the first time in 52 years. Martha had never been alone. Slowly she began to realize just how silent a house can be.
Christmas was especially hard. Martha went through the motions of putting up a small 3 foot Christmas tree with bits of sentimental memories in the form of handmade ornaments. It would never be the same without Paul dressed in his Santa suit complete with hat and boots. The grandkids always would sit on his lap and tell Santa what they wished for the most. As Martha unpacked a few extra decorations, she came upon a box. The small box was hidden away with an envelope that said "Open December 25, 1993".
Deciding to hold on to the small box and envelope until the specified date, Martha knew it was a letter from Paul. As Christmas drew closer, she would hold the box anticipating what could be inside. As the grandkids arrived on Christmas, she placed the box under the tree. After everyone had indulged on a wonderful breakfast and opened the presents, Martha proceeded to slowly open the envelope that accompanied her box.
"My Dear Martha, If you are reading this on December 25, 1993 I have lost with cancer. You are and always have been the love of my life. Inside this box is the first of many presents I have left behind for you. You will find a clue in the box to lead you to the next gift. I have also set up a safe deposit box for you with cards for every holiday and letters for you to read. I am still with you even though not physical, I am in spirit. Love always and forever, Paul"
Inside the box was a diamond ring. Immediately Martha recognized the diamond. It was was the center diamond to Paul's Shriner Ring. He had taken the ring and had it made into a beautiful ring for Martha.
Losing her husband a few days before Thanksgiving and his burial the day after Thanksgiving gave Martha a bout of depression. She was alone for the first time in 52 years. Martha had never been alone. Slowly she began to realize just how silent a house can be.
Christmas was especially hard. Martha went through the motions of putting up a small 3 foot Christmas tree with bits of sentimental memories in the form of handmade ornaments. It would never be the same without Paul dressed in his Santa suit complete with hat and boots. The grandkids always would sit on his lap and tell Santa what they wished for the most. As Martha unpacked a few extra decorations, she came upon a box. The small box was hidden away with an envelope that said "Open December 25, 1993".
Deciding to hold on to the small box and envelope until the specified date, Martha knew it was a letter from Paul. As Christmas drew closer, she would hold the box anticipating what could be inside. As the grandkids arrived on Christmas, she placed the box under the tree. After everyone had indulged on a wonderful breakfast and opened the presents, Martha proceeded to slowly open the envelope that accompanied her box.
"My Dear Martha, If you are reading this on December 25, 1993 I have lost with cancer. You are and always have been the love of my life. Inside this box is the first of many presents I have left behind for you. You will find a clue in the box to lead you to the next gift. I have also set up a safe deposit box for you with cards for every holiday and letters for you to read. I am still with you even though not physical, I am in spirit. Love always and forever, Paul"
Inside the box was a diamond ring. Immediately Martha recognized the diamond. It was was the center diamond to Paul's Shriner Ring. He had taken the ring and had it made into a beautiful ring for Martha.
Paul Jennings Brackney died on November 23, 1993 leaving behind his wife of 52 years Martha. A long battle with prostate cancer and diabetes finally took his last breath with his loving wife at his side. A slight hint of a lipstick kiss graced his forhead even during the funeral. Half a century of marriage. A love that last through several wars and producing four children, a girl, a boy, and fraternal twins that sadly only one survived. Martha was a strong woman, but broken hearted.
Losing her husband a few days before Thanksgiving and his burial the day after Thanksgiving gave Martha a bout of depression. She was alone for the first time in 52 years. Martha had never been alone. Slowly she began to realize just how silent a house can be.
Christmas was especially hard. Martha went through the motions of putting up a small 3 foot Christmas tree with bits of sentimental memories in the form of handmade ornaments. It would never be the same without Paul dressed in his Santa suit complete with hat and boots. The grandkids always would sit on his lap and tell Santa what they wished for the most. As Martha unpacked a few extra decorations, she came upon a box. The small box was hidden away with an envelope that said "Open December 25, 1993".
Deciding to hold on to the small box and envelope until the specified date, Martha knew it was a letter from Paul. As Christmas drew closer, she would hold the box anticipating what could be inside. As the grandkids arrived on Christmas, she placed the box under the tree. After everyone had indulged on a wonderful breakfast and opened the presents, Martha proceeded to slowly open the envelope that accompanied her box.
"My Dear Martha, If you are reading this on December 25, 1993 I have lost with cancer. You are and always have been the love of my life. Inside this box is the first of many presents I have left behind for you. You will find a clue in the box to lead you to the next gift. I have also set up a safe deposit box for you with cards for every holiday and letters for you to read. I am still with you even though not physical, I am in spirit. Love always and forever, Paul"
Inside the box was a diamond ring. Immediately Martha recognized the diamond. It was was the center diamond to Paul's Shriner Ring. He had taken the ring and had it made into a beautiful ring for Martha.
Losing her husband a few days before Thanksgiving and his burial the day after Thanksgiving gave Martha a bout of depression. She was alone for the first time in 52 years. Martha had never been alone. Slowly she began to realize just how silent a house can be.
Christmas was especially hard. Martha went through the motions of putting up a small 3 foot Christmas tree with bits of sentimental memories in the form of handmade ornaments. It would never be the same without Paul dressed in his Santa suit complete with hat and boots. The grandkids always would sit on his lap and tell Santa what they wished for the most. As Martha unpacked a few extra decorations, she came upon a box. The small box was hidden away with an envelope that said "Open December 25, 1993".
Deciding to hold on to the small box and envelope until the specified date, Martha knew it was a letter from Paul. As Christmas drew closer, she would hold the box anticipating what could be inside. As the grandkids arrived on Christmas, she placed the box under the tree. After everyone had indulged on a wonderful breakfast and opened the presents, Martha proceeded to slowly open the envelope that accompanied her box.
"My Dear Martha, If you are reading this on December 25, 1993 I have lost with cancer. You are and always have been the love of my life. Inside this box is the first of many presents I have left behind for you. You will find a clue in the box to lead you to the next gift. I have also set up a safe deposit box for you with cards for every holiday and letters for you to read. I am still with you even though not physical, I am in spirit. Love always and forever, Paul"
Inside the box was a diamond ring. Immediately Martha recognized the diamond. It was was the center diamond to Paul's Shriner Ring. He had taken the ring and had it made into a beautiful ring for Martha.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
