This is one of, if not perhaps, my sister’s favorite possession and is really more her story to tell than mine. But, I hope she will not mind if I share a few of my own thoughts on this, especially today on Veteran’s Day. She is more than welcome to share her own words at any time regarding what this note and torn dollar has meant to her over the years.
When she joined the United States Navy in 1993 she was given this torn, crumpled, world weary dollar and the hand-written note from our grandfather on my mother’s side. He was know as Granddaddy to the four of us granddaughters. He had served in the Navy during World War II. The ship he served on, the USS Chase (DE-158) was a destroyer escort. On May 20, 1945 during the Battle of Okinawa it was hit by a kamikaze pilot and severely damaged. The crew struggled and worked hard to keep it afloat and they were eventually able to be towed into safety.
My grandfather was a man of few words. But, the words he spoke were always worthy of being heeded. He was a quiet, reflective sort always taking in what was going on around him.
The text of the note above is as follows:
Robin,
This is my lucky dollar. Carried all during World War II. Went in the water with me at Okinawa when our ship was hit 1943 [should be 1945]. Hope it brings you as Much luck.
Love, Granddaddy
Sept 25, 1993
I could attempt to write more, but in this case the image itself says so much on its own. It embodies the love and pride of a grandfather for his granddaughter (which he had in his own way for all four of us). It also embodies the respect of one veteran for another. Actually, two veterans for each other. On his part, in the act of sharing it with her. On her part, in the way she has memorialized that sharing.
To Like or Comment, please click on title and open in a new tab.
Notes from a Book Nerd 