"When you read them you will share the longing and passion a good man feels for a good woman， and you will also discover the empowering enchantment they will give you. You will also understand the fears and tears of war. And you will realize the differences between right and wrong. You will learn to trust the people you love and keep your distance from those you mistrust. You will learn about mature friendships and how true love can become the core of your life.
"I have been fortunate， Jeffrey. I loved a wonderful man. And he loved me. While his love is now a memory， it is also a real dream that never ends. Love is like a beautiful photograph you store in an album. You can enjoy its beauty each time you stare at its wonderment. It stops time. And， it makes you young again—forever！ Grandpa Edwin was a soldier， a professional Army officer who chased Pancho Villa back to Mexico with John J. Pershing. He also served under General Pershing in the trenches in France during World War I. To understand your grandfather' s soul， read his loving letters to me. You' ll learn how romantic and beautiful a real man can be. To truly understand Grandpa' s character， read the personal note Jack Pershing wrote me when he heard that Edwin was killed in action.
"Jeffrey， I said this packet of notes was priceless and valuable. I' ve just shown you how priceless his love notes are. Please learn from them. Then find the right girl to love and love her ardently. This love will enrich both your lives and make you both happier.
"As for being valuable， save the envelopes. An appraiser at Sotheby' s said the old stamps are worth far more than the rest of my estate. And， the personal handwritten note from General Pershing is even more valuable than the stamps. Have a loving， bountiful life. God bless you."
"I love you， Grandma Elsie."
外祖母埃尔西去世时，我只有17岁。她是我最后一位在世的祖辈，而我是她唯一的外孙。直到律师宣读她的遗嘱时，我才真正体会到她对我的爱有多深。那一刻，我终生难忘——从那天起，我成了城里最富有的男孩子。