A short time ago, there was a knock on my front door, and standing there was a young woman, she came to tell me that someone whose name I had not heard, in over 40 years had passed away, and among his things was a box, with my name and address with the instructions that upon his passing it should be delivered to me, and if I had passed the box was to be destroyed unopened. I thanked her and took the box and she just turned around and left; I sat that box down and did not know if I should open it or not, but finally did.


In side were two Colt M1911A1 Service Pistols with consecutive serial numbers, and then a wave of emotion came over me; as the circumstances of those two came back, and now it is going to be a very long night; as I remember back.

I'm not sure "like" is the right thing to say, but it's what we do. I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. May the Lord comfort you and his family and friends at this time.

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John 3:16 .

Sounds like there is a very interesting story attached to those two pistols…

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USS Brewton FF1086
SWCA#3597

Perfect title, thanks for posting. I hope we will get the Paul Harvey on this when it is comfortable for you.

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Kind regards, Heinz

I hope you remember

Please do share the back story when you are able.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Sounds like the story ought to be told.............

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USMC 69-93 Combat Pistol Inst.

We're with you Brother. Sorry for your loss. Share the back story if you wish or when you're able. From the heart, many will understand.

WYT-P
Skyhunter

I think the hardest part of receiving a bequest, is that you can't thank the person. It's even harder when the gift is especially generous or holds deep meaning. I've been there. I wanted to reach out, shake his hand and say "thank you, Dad. I love you." But, I couldn't.

Whatever your situation, MPWhite, I'm sure it has conjured up all sorts of memories. It will take time and reflection to conquer. Peace be with you.

I ask family member of a recently deceased friend for one personal item. Doesn't have to be anything special, but that they used it almost daily. I then get to use a friend or relatives' item while thinking of them. I have a pair of folding pocket scissors that belonged to a friend. He had them in his bibs and used them often. A cooking fork from a dear friend who saw that I had a hot home cooked meal every time my wife was out town. Coming soon in the mail will be a personal item from a dear friend that passed away in Idaho a couple weeks ago. It is hard asking for a personal item till the person realizes why.

I recently shared a story of losing a good friend that had the same tastes in gun collecting as me. The family gave me the chance to get what I wanted , at very fair prices , on some amazing pieces. This story , my experience and others are a reminder of our own mortality and the fact that we are temporary stewards of these treasures. We should all consider who we’d like to bless with at least one thing when our time comes.

Attached Images

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S&WHF 483 , S&WCA 1699

This carving knife was given to my mom and dad on their wedding day in 1936. I salvaged it from my mom's things when she died at almost 96 years old. I keep it in our kitchen utensils drawer as a reminder of them. I remember each of them using it. They both lived through the great depression, and it taught them about frugality.

John

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- Cogito, ergo armatus sum -

Thank you for sharing.

Once a month I go to my American Legion Post and have a cup of coffee. Sometimes only Veterans understand a Veteran.

My dad passed away about 3 months before I retired. I picked out some of his guns but I wanted something more every day of his to be able to use. So I picked out his robe, some jackets and some shirts. It feels good to wear them.

WOW!! What a tale. He held you in great esteem. A good friend, from the past. You must plan on where they will go when you no longer need them, with the whole story.

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No baby we aint

Awesome, and I don't use that word very much.

I asked the daughter of my friend that just passed in Idaho for his coffee cup. I want to have another cup of coffee with my friend from time to time. She was very positive about me wanting something of her dad's.

Sounds like something out of a good novel or film. Would love to hear the backstory...

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Some Might Say.