Key to The Treasure #2 The Old Love Note

         

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Key to the Treasure 2

The Old Love Note

    As the historian publicized the treasure, Emma and Liam's hearts raced with excitement. In part one of “Key to the Treasure,” the two of them set course for an exciting expedition that began with the discovery of a mysterious treasure. Months later, while playing at a local park, they stumbled upon a rusty key buried beneath the sand. Their curiosity led them to the Historical Museum, where the historian opened the door to a room filled with countless treasures one of which was a beautiful porcelain box that had not been opened In centuries.

  Among the artifacts, they learned about Edwin Barker, a brave soul who perished at the Battle of Bunker Hill, leaving behind his beloved Gracelin and their 11 children. While examining the relics, a newspaper reporter arrived, eager to interview them about their remarkable find and share their story with the world.

  Little did they know, the key they found was just the beginning of an adventure that would test their courage and persistence. Now, in part two, the adventure continues as Emma and Liam investigate deeper into the mystery of a treasure that holds value beyond pure gold. This experience will shape their lives and the lives of many others who are touched by the life changing stories of the Barker family.

     While observing the treasures inside the old treasure box, they were in awe of some of the jewelry pieces that had people painted on them, curious to know who they were and who had carefully painted them.  Emma held the beautiful piece of Jewelry in her hand.

   Mr. Whitmore, the enthusiastic museum historian, began to explain the fascinating items. “This is beautiful”, said Enma, they all agreed.

 "Ah, I see you've found Gracelin Barker," he said, pointing to the delicate brooch in her hand which was adorned with a painted portrait. "Isn't she lovely? Painted by a renowned artist of the 18th century. Just think of it as the old-fashioned version of a selfie!"  They all laughed.

  Mr. Whitmore gestured toward a delicate piece of parchment. "Here we have a diary entry written by Edwin Barker before he went to battle. It gives us a glimpse into his thoughts and feelings during that tumultuous time. Reading it is like stepping into a time machine."

 

       Mr. Whitmore opened the diary and began to read aloud:

 "Dearest Gracelin,

The days here are long and filled with uncertainty, yet my thoughts constantly drift back to you and our family. The preparations for the Battle of Bunker Hill are underway, and I can't help but feel a mix of fear and determination. We are fighting for a cause we believe in, for the freedom and future of our nation.

Though the nights are cold and the future uncertain, I hold on to the hope that one day, we shall be reunited, and our struggles will not be in vain. I carry your love and the memory of our time together as my shield, and it gives me the strength to face each new challenge.

If I am to fall in battle, know that I did so with your love in my heart and the belief that our sacrifices will lead to a brighter future. Remember to keep faith and stay strong, for our love will endure, even in the darkest of times.

Yours always, Love, Edwin Barker"

     As Mr. Whitmore vividly described and continued to talk the imagination of the children wandered upon the scene on bunker hill.  

   They could hear the deafening sounds of musket fire and the clash of bayonets filled the air as the Battle of Bunker Hill raged on. Amidst the chaos, Edwin Barker and his close friend, Thomas, fought valiantly side by side. They had faced many battles together, but this one felt different—more desperate, more intense.

 

    Edwin, covered in dirt and sweat, glanced at Thomas, who was equally battle-worn. "Stay close, Thomas. We've got to hold the line," Edwin shouted over the noise.

 

 Thomas nodded, determination etched on his face. "We've come this far, Edwin. We'll see it through."

 

     As the battle reached its peak, a sudden blast echoed nearby, and Edwin felt a searing pain in his chest. He stumbled, clutching his wound, and fell to the ground. Thomas quickly knelt beside him, his eyes filled with concern.

 

    "Edwin! Stay with me!" Thomas urged, trying to stop the bleeding with his trembling hands.

 

    Edwin's breath came in ragged gasps as he looked up at his friend. "Thomas... tell Gracelin... I fought bravely... for our future," he whispered with a faint voice.

 

   Tears welled up in Thomas's eyes as he nodded. "I promise, Edwin. I'll tell her."

 

   Edwin's vision began to fade, and his grip on Thomas's hand weakened. "Thank you... for standing by me... until the end," he whispered, his voice barely audible. God be with you.

 

With tears streaming down his face, Thomas said, "You are a hero, my friend."

 

With those final words, Edwin took his last breath, his hand slipping from Thomas's grasp. Thomas bowed his head, a mix of sorrow and determination filling his heart.

 

The battle continued to rage around them, but in that moment, Thomas felt the weight of his friend's sacrifice. He knew that Edwin's legacy would live on, and the story of his bravery would be remembered for generations to come.

 

    As Thomas later penned down his memories of that day, he hoped future generations would understand the depth of their sacrifice.

   Gracelin read the letter in his diary a month after he died, her tears mingled with the ink and left stains upon the page, feeling Edwin’s love and bravery in every word. “I miss you”, she said, in a whisper.

  Once again Emma and Lucy’s attention was again focused upon the treasure and Mr. Whitmore’s presentation of the wonderful artifacts found within the old beautiful treasure box.

   Here we find Gracelin Barker’s Bible the pages are yellowing and the Bible is warn from use.  

   Mr. Whitmore carefully opened the old Bible that belonged to Gracelin Barker. As he turned the fragile pages, he found a passage that had been underlined.

    "Here we are," Mr. Whitmore said, his voice gentle. "This passage, Proverbs 22:28, reads: 'Remove not the ancient landmark, which thy fathers have set.' It’s a reminder to honor and respect the heritage and values passed down through generations."

    As they continued to examine the Bible, Emma noticed something unusual tucked between the pages. "Look! There's a note here," she exclaimed, carefully unfolding the yellowed paper.

   Mr. Whitmore's eyes widened in surprise. "This appears to be a note written by Gracelin Barker herself," he said, reading aloud

  They imagined themselves there as He continued to speak. Like a dream in their heart.

  Gracelin Barker gathered her children around her in the dimly lit parlor. The atmosphere was heavy with grief, yet her voice carried a note of gentle reassurance. She held the old Bible close, her hands trembling slightly as she prepared to read the note she had written.

  "Come closer, my dear ones," she said softly, her eyes filled with love. "I have something important to share with you."

Her children huddled together, their faces reflecting a mix of sorrow and curiosity. Gracelin unfolded the note, her voice steady but filled with emotion.  I wrote this for you so that I would not forget to give to you the message your Father wanted to give to you.

 My Dearest Children,

 As you read these words, know that I have written them with a heart full of love and sorrow. Your father, Edward, is now in heaven, watching over us. He was a man of great honor and bravery, and his spirit will always be with us.

In these pages of my diary, torn out, I have written a devotion to remind you of his love and the faith that sustained him.

 

Proverbs 20:7 says,

'The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him.'

 Your father walked in integrity, and his life was a testament to his faith and love for our family.

  As we grieve his loss, let us find comfort in the promises of God.

 John 15:13 tells us,

'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.'

      Your father's sacrifice was a reflection of Christ's love for us.

 Though we may worry for our lives without him, let us hold on to our faith.  

 Ephesians 5:25 reminds us,

 'Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.'

     Your father's love for us was deep and unwavering, and we must carry that love forward.

   It was your father's deepest wish that each of you know Christ as your Savior. He feared that in these troubled times, without him to guide you, you might face the perils of war without the spiritual safety of salvation. He did not want you to be lost, to face eternity without the grace of God. Which many this hour suffer in the fiery torments of hell for not accepting the gift God has given.

   To be saved, my dear children, you must believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who died for our sins and rose again. Romans 10:9 says, 'If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.' This faith is your shield and comfort in these uncertain times.

 Pray to Him, confess your sins, and accept His forgiveness. Let His love and sacrifice be your guiding light. Know that through Christ, we have the promise of eternal life, and that one day, we shall all be reunited in heaven.

Remember, my dear children, that we are never alone. God's love and your father's spirit will guide us through the darkest of times. Let us honor his memory by living with hope God desires us to have, loving Him and each other, and faith that endures.

 With all my love, Mother

    As Gracelin finished reading, tears streamed down her cheeks. Her children huddled around her as they wept together, their hearts aching with grief but also filled with a sense of comfort and hope. They clung to their mother, finding solace in her words and in the faith that bound them together.

. "Let this memory remind you of your father's love and the promises of God."

   The children looked up at her with tear-filled eyes, their spirits lifted by the devotion and the love that had been shared. The room seemed to glow with a sense of peace and unity, as the family embraced the legacy of faith and love left by Edward Barker.

  Gracelin gently wiped her children's tears away, her heart aching with both grief and hope. "Remember, my dear ones, Jesus will comfort you as a father does his children. Let us not grieve as those who have no hope."  The children nodded, their spirits uplifted by their mother's words. As night began to fall, Gracelin tucked the letter into her Bible for them to read again someday.

  Later in the Present Day:

 Emma and Liam, having spent an enriching day at the museum, found themselves deeply moved by their ancestors' legacy. As they prepared to leave, Liam said, "It's time for us to go now."

Emma, filled with curiosity, replied, "I want to learn more about the Barker family."

 "I do too," Liam agreed, "but we promised Mom we'd be back by 4:00 PM."

 The newspaper man, who had been meticulously taking notes, approached them. "Be sure to read Sunday's paper," he said with a knowing smile.

 "We will," Emma and Liam chorused, waving goodbye as they left the museum.

 Sunday Morning:

     The community buzzed with excitement as the Sunday paper hit the stands. The headline read: "The Discovered Love Note: A Family's Legacy of Faith and Love".

    The article detailed the touching story of Gracelin's devotion, Edward's heroism, and the family's unwavering faith.

     Readers were captivated by the amazing story. Many were moved to tears, and the story spread through the town like wildfire. People discussed the legacy of love and faith, and many were inspired to learn more about Christ and salvation.

     The impact of the discovered love note extended far beyond the museum, touching hearts and minds throughout the community. It served as a powerful reminder of the importance of salvation, continuing In faith, and the hope that gives us enduring strength. The hope we have in Christ and the promises He has given us.  

     Emma and Liam, having read the article, felt a deep sense of blessedness and connection to their heritage. They knew that their ancestors' legacy would continue to inspire and guide their family for generations to come.

     What other discoveries are yet to be discovered with this great historical find?

                         Susan Barker Nikitenko March 1, 2025©

"Hope itself is like a star—not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity." Spurgeon

Fighting for Independence

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