The gold box

How much time are you giving to your loved ones? Read this story before you answer:

It had been some time since Jack had seen Mr Belser. Jack had relocated across the country in pursuit of his dreams. There, in the rush of his busy life, he had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and just nothing could stop him.

That day over the phone his mother told him, "Mr. Belser died last night Jack. The funeral is Wednesday." And a sudden rush of memories flashed through his mind as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days.

"Jack, did you hear me?"

"Oh sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It' s been so long since I thought of him. I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago," Jack said.

"Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him would ask how you were doing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of the fence' as he put it," Mom told him. "You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man's influence in your life," she said.

"He's the one who taught me carpentry," he said. "I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important... Mom, I'll be there for the funeral," Jack said.

Busy he was for sure, but Jack did catch the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful--he had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.

The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time.

Pausing in the doorway, Jack felt like taking a leap through time. The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture.... but something made Jack stop suddenly.

"What's wrong, Jack?" Mom was surprised.

"The box is gone," he said.

"What box?"

"There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk! I asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me was 'Jack, inside it, is something that I value most', but now I will never find out what that was" Jack sighed. He concluded someone from the Belser family might have taken it.

"Anyways, I better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom."

Days passed. It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died, and returning home from work one day Jack received a package through mail. It was a small packaged box, the worn-out surface appeared as if it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address made Jack's eyes grow wider, "Mr. Harold Belser" it read.

Jack took the box out ripping open the package. There inside was the gold box, and an envelope. Jack's hands shook as he read the words, "Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my life."

His heart racing, as tears filling his eyes, Jack hurriedly unlocked the box with attached key. To his surprise, lying inside was a beautiful gold pocket watch.

Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover, when the words engraved on it met his eyes: "Jack, Thanks for your time! - Harold Belser."

Shock held him dumbfounded.

"So... the thing he valued most ...was ... my time!!"

Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days. "Why?" Janet, his assistant, wanted to know.

"I need some time to spend with my son," was all he said.

"Oh, by the way, Janet...thanks for your time"

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.

Think about this. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true:
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At least 2 people in this world love you so much that they would die for you.

At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.

Every night, someone thinks about you before they sleep.

If not for you, someone may not be living.

Someone that you don't even know exists, loves you.
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If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great. Let your close ones know that you care about them, you will certainly brighten someone's day and might change their perspective on life... for the better.

Oh, by the way, thank you for your time.