Dear Reader:

CBS correspondent, Steve Hartman, did it again to me yesterday… his latest story made me cry!

Don’t most of us have something in our possession, perhaps from childhood or another life changing moment that becomes our prized possession- something we keep close to remind us that someone cared when we needed it the most?

Personally -for me -it was and is Polly, my doll, that I got for my fifth birthday -the first birthday after my daddy died. I feel sure several relatives went in together to buy me that Teri doll… and she has been there for me ever since.

In Hartman’s human interest story… it was a thank you note from a third grade little girl that 95 year old Frank Grasberger still held dear to this day!

” I’ve never been without it,” he said…” because it’s something that somebody thought of me that much.” To him it brings three feelings …faith, trust, and love.

The Strongsville, Ohio resident is a World War II veteran. In 2009 a third grader wrote to thank him for his service. ” If it wasn’t for you, we would never have freedom. I’m happy you made sacrifices. Your friend, Dashauna Priest,” the letter concluded.

It came to mean so much to Grasberger, as the years went by, that he wanted to thank the author.

The staff at the senior living residence decided to do some sleuthing on their own. Priest is now 21. She still vividly remembers writing that note as a school assignment but also because she admired people in uniform.

Priest surprised Grasberger last month while wearing her National Guard uniform. Upon seeing her for the first time Grasberger admitted the surprise took his breath away!

Fortunately Grasberger’s heart only swelled and it may never return to its old size… Priest said Grasberger is family now!

So until tomorrow… one never knows where a ” thank you ” will end up… ” It started with love and affection as a small child and it’s ending the same way” Priest softly said.

” Today is my favorite day” Winnie the Pooh

The Turners made it to Mexico yesterday safe and sound… beautiful!