The story of Rafael Zohler is one of true love. The unique gift that his dying father left behind can prove to the most die-hard pessimist that love can transcend even death.
When Rafael was just 8 years old, his father was unexpectedly diagnosed with cancer. He was just 27 years old. The young father knew he was going to die, but he didn’t want to tell his son. Instead, in their final hours together, they sat brainstorming plans for the future and dreaming of fishing adventures yet to come. When his father passed, Rafael was completely heartbroken. The only thing that kept him going was a final “sign of life” that his father left behind. A nurse handed Rafael a series of letters written by his father that were meant to guide him through his entire adult life.
The envelopes didn’t have any addresses on them, but rather small notes. The first envelope read, “When I am no longer there.” Rafael opened this first letter:
“My Son,
If you are reading this, I’ve already passed. I’m sorry that I kept the truth from you. I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to see you cry. It was my decision. I think that someone who’s faced with death is allowed to be a little egotistical. There is so much that I want to show you – so much that you can’t understand now. So, I’ve written these letters.
Please open them at the moments written on the envelopes, okay? It’s our secret deal. I love you. Take care of Mom. You are now the man of the house.
In love,
Your Papa
P.S. There are no letters for Mom – she got the car instead.”
Rafael was both enthralled and comforted by this unique goodbye gift. It almost felt as if his dad was still with him, tucked away in a series of envelopes in a beautiful wooden box. There was a letter for every momentous occasion and Rafael followed his father’s wishes, opening the next letter at the moment his dad had written on the envelope.
Rafael got older and continually turned to the words of his father – especially in the rough phase of puberty. At age 15, Rafael got in a huge fight with his mom about her new boyfriend. He thought the man was a low-life and didn’t deserve his mom’s time. He got a smack across the face for voicing his opinion. But even then, his father stood by his side. Rafael turned to the envelope titled, “When you’ve had a huge fight with Mom”:
“Talk to her and ask for her forgiveness. I don’t know who started it and who is right, but I know your mom. Talk to her and apologize. That’s the best thing you can do.
She is your mom and she loves you more than anything in this world. Did you know that she gave birth to you without any painkillers because someone told her it would be better for you? Have you ever seen a woman in childbirth? Do you need any more proof of her love?
Apologize and she will forgive you.
I love you.
Your dad”
Rafael was always surprised by how fitting his father’s advice was. His dad wasn’t a novelist by any means, but a numbers guy. Even so, the 15-year-old took his words to heart. He approached his mom and said he was sorry, showing her the letter. As they were making up, they both felt as if Rafael’s father was there with them, taking part in their moment of family bonding.
