My Dad Left Hawaii at 20 and Never Went Back –KH Then an Unexpected Package from His Past Made My Mother Go Pale

Dad said the people he knew were probably gone.

"They weren't," Mom said.

"Christmas cards."

I stared at her.

"They sent cards?"

"For years."

"Did Dad answer?"

"Sometimes."

"Then why would he think they didn't want him?"

Mom gave a sad little shrug.

"Because every card reminded him how long it had been."

One summer she finally told him she'd buy the ticket herself.

Dad said, "Next year."

Next year became another decade.

I looked at the chair again.

"Who sent this?"

Mom didn't answer.

Her eyes filled.

"I know who sent it."

"Who?"

She took a long time.

Then she said, "I asked her to."

I stared at her.

"You arranged this?"

"Months ago."

"The house was being cleared. I called one of the women your father grew up with. We still had her address from the Christmas cards."