The other day as I was clearing some things our of my drawer I came across these 2 hankies. I held them in my hand and cried. They may look like old handkerchiefs that have seen better days but looks can be deceiving.

It was Christmas 1981 & my ex, Bob, & I had moved to Texas just about a month before. My parents, my sister Shelley & my brother Stephen had already moved to south Texas.

I have mentioned that my brother & I had a rather rough relationship after he grew up but out of the blue he gave me these hankies for Christmas that year so I would have them when I was walking on the beach in the cool winter weather. In the years to come I always had one in my pocket & they made me smile when I pulled them out.

When my brother died I washed them & put them in the drawer where they have stayed. They have moved with me from Texas to Florida to Illinois in the years since then. They can still make me smile as I remember the good times we had & whisper "I still love you, Stephen."

Maybe it's time to get them out of the drawer & put one back in my pocket again.