Finding a message in a bottle is the stuff of films, right? Well, not necessarily.
This touching note was found in a bottle that washed up on a Florida beach recently.
Handwritten by Jonathan Torres, who would have been about 10 or 11 at the time, it’s a beautiful attempt to communicate with his best friend who, sadly, isn’t around anymore.
“Dear Daniel, I’m really sorry you passed away and if you were alive me and you will be playing soccer and basketball with Matthew, Oscar and Brandon,” it reads.
Then, as young Jonathan starts picturing what Daniel is up to in Heaven, the note takes an unintentionally funny turn.
“I am in the fifth grade and you were my best friend and our favourite song was Austin Moon and I hope you have fun with Jesus.”
Then he signs the note with a simple “from your best friend, Jonathan Torres.”
Facebook user Steve Mershon found the note washed up on the beach in a small bottle with a cork. He uploaded a snap of the bottle and the note online, with a touching open message to Jonathan.
“My name is Steve, and I found your note in a bottle on a beautiful Tuesday morning, 19 April,” he wrote. “First of all, let me tell you what a strong little man you are for writing your best friend that letter. You show so much love in your heart way beyond your years.”
Continuing, Steve explained that he didn’t know how long ago the note had been floating about, but called it the “most beautiful thing” he’s ever found.
“You threw that bottle out to show your love for your best friend,” he continued. “It is meant to be shared. It tugged at many heartstrings, Jonathon.
“You see, I think Daniel put the bottle ashore where I found it, and his friend Jesus led me to it. I’ll tell you why. I’ve had plans for a few weeks to go way out on the ocean on a big cruise ship. I’m going to take your letter and your bottle with me."
“I’m going to add my own little letter to it and put the cork back in it, and when I find the deepest, prettiest, most blue water I can find, I’m going to throw it back in so someone else, along with their friends, can see the love in your heart.”
The touching post has been shared over 1,000 times since it was uploaded at the weekend, and the story has been touching tonnes of hearts online.
Aww. What a loving little boy. We hope he finds, or found, a way through his loss.
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