It had been a very long time since I explored the contents of the two wooden cheese boxes, one slightly larger than the other.
Where they came from, I don’t know. I assume they once held very large blocks of round cheese. They were always part of my childhood, especially when relatives came to visit.
The boxes then held school pictures of various cousins and snapshots of family events, each one looked at and, most often laughed over, as memories were recalled.
Most of the pictures are gone now, but the larger one held mementos of the long ago childhood days of my two brothers and me.  There were report cards, VBS certificates, church awards, and pictures made by tiny hands.
What captured my attention, however, was a letter, written before I was born, by my Uncle Dale to my brother, George.
It was in response to a letter George supposedly wrote him.  It seemed to be a trend back then for the letter writer to pin it from her child.
The soldier’s correspondence, written on American Red Cross paper, was dated May 12, 1945, as Uncle Dale was waiting to come home from WWII. 
Some of the second page is lost to us forever, but I will insert what I think he may have written.
It read:

HI George,
Well I just happen to remember that I never did answer you letter.  Got it just a while before I left my other base.  I am a replacement depot now waiting for transportation back to the states.  I shouldn’t be much longer before I start across the Great Atlantic Ocean.  But I may not be home for some time yet.
Sure glad this war over here is over.  Maybe Uncle Ervin will be home soon, too.
How are you, NIckie, and Jr? (Hope) all are well.  Tell them (all hello) for me.  Also Narcie, Pinkie, Wando, the little boy, forgot his name again.  Oh tell Andy hello to.
Haven’t receive any mail in quite some time as they don’t forward our mail here.  Well be good George and I will see you soon.
Your Uncle Dale

It was a simple letter written by a farm boy who volunteered to serve is country. He was careful to include all the nieces and nephews who were living near my family.
I am so glad my Mother kept it.  That farm boy went on to be very successful in life, attending college at Texas Tech on the GI Bill. 
My cousins and I all looked up to him.  Besides his success, he was extremely generous, and served his Lord.
There only a few WWII Veterans left to honor.  Uncle Dale took up residence in his celestial home several years ago.  Taking their place are the aging Vietnam Vets, whose place of honor is far overdue.