My wife died suddenly, leaving me with four children—after the funeral, my mother-in-law gave me a sealed box that revealed a message my wife left behind for me.

on the floor with one of Sarah’s sweaters pressed against my face.

I cried until I could not breathe.

Then I wiped my eyes because Jeremy walked in looking for his stuffed rabbit.

“Are you sad, Daddy?”

“Yeah, buddy. I’m sad.”

I cried until I could not breathe.

“Me too.”

He sat down beside me, leaned against my arm, and did not move for a long time.