A World War II veteran has finally met the writer of a letter he received 12 years ago.
In 2009, Frank Grasberger received a letter from a third grader thanking him for his service. He told CBS News since he’s received it, he’s carried the letter with him everywhere he goes.
For this 95-year-old, nothing’s more important to him than his wife and the note.
“I’d never be without it,” the veteran said. “Because it’s something that somebody thought of me that much.”
“If it wasn’t for you, we would never have freedom. I’m so happy you made sacrifices. Your friend, Dashauna Priest,” the letter read.
Grasberger says this letter meant so much to him that he wanted to thank the author. “We never could find her. He says, ‘Before I close my eyes, I have to find her,’” said his wife, Delores.
The staff at the long-term care residence then decided to do a little digging. They were well aware of his attachment to the letter and the desire to meet the author of the letter, and luckily, they found her.
Last month, Dashauna Priest, 21, surprised Grasberger, while wearing her National Guard uniform.
“You can’t imagine the feeling I had when she stood next to me. It just took my breath away, it really did,” he said. “There’s love there, deep down in the heart. She’s like my third daughter, she really is.”
“It started with a lot of love and affection,” Delores said. “And it’s ending the same way.”
