4 stories that will warm your heart

A renovation of the heart

“I startled when my husband, Jack, set a packet of dusty old letters in my lap. ‘I found these as I was repairing the stairs,’ he said, wiping his brow.

“Jack and I had always loved renovating old houses, but lately that was the only thing we had in common. Now it seemed all we did was quarrel and get under each other’s skin.

“Together we opened the brittle letters postmarked more than 70 years ago and read words from a soldier to his wife. The first read: Knowing that I may die tomorrow, I wish I’d been less proud and appreciated you more. Another letter said: My love, when I hold you again, I’ll cherish every second.

“After an hour or so of reading, Jack looked at me with tears in his eyes and asked, ‘Do you think they were ever reunited?’ He pulled me close and my heart filled with gratitude for our marriage as I realized every moment we spent together was precious.

‘I do,’ I replied. ‘Real love can withstand any battle.’”

—Paula Soto, 48, Omaha, TX