The Letter Box

by Mark Button

An author collection of letters expressing grief after the death of his first wife and their unborn triplets, and suggests ways for readers to use similar letters to let family members know how much they care.

The Letter Box is an inspirational story and legacy of love that has changed many lives—and has the potential to change yours and the lives of those you love in a profound way. After years of wanting a family, Mark and his wife are overjoyed to learn they are expecting triplets. But when those happy dreams are abruptly dashed, Mark is faced with the overwhelming void of a now-empty future. Out of the deep insights that come from these hardest of life lessons, the “Letter Box” is a container for collecting thoughts and feelings often kept inside but better shared with others. The letters in a Letter Box become precious gifts that transcend time and place. These expressions of love are joyous opportunities for staying connected with loved ones forever. The Letter Box is an intimate journey of the heart, a compelling true story of love and second chances that will move you to create your own legacy of love for those you cherish.

160 pages, Hardcover

First published October 10, 2002

Reviews

[Cinder · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book over a decade ago when I managed to drag my dad to the local bookstore because they had a huge sale going on, and I wanted to buy some fantasy books. Haha!

It’s funny how sometimes you don’t find the book, but the book finds you. Today, I had nothing to do and reached for this book, thinking about that little trip I had with my late father. I don’t think this book would have mattered to a teenager who didn’t know anything about the fleeting nature of life and its importance, but it did to the weathered adult today.

I only gave this book three stars because although the subject resonates with me, the story moved way too quickly. I wish there was a deeper exploration of the concept of grief and navigating life after a tragic experience.

[Gaile · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if we went back to snail mail?

[Varunika Sood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ufff.. this piece took my heart
Surely will be looking coming back to it again.Me being a person who loves to preserve memories and especially was already writing letters on similar concept. It's gem

[naya🎀🐈‍⬛ · Rating 4 out of 5]

the lesson behind this book is very touching, I recommend it for people who need to open up and experience other peoples pain because it opened up my eyes in many ways

[Poonam · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have no clear idea why I ever bought this book. In hindsight, I think I do not even like its cover. For its unique subject - letterbox for your children where you leave letters for them - there was a huge scope of being creative. In fact, I have spotted a series of books about collection of letters between a couple - presented with beautiful scrap booking art and cover.

That said, book is about a true story. However, personally I'd say I loved how simply Mark's story of having it all and losing it all was told without any melodrama - it was touching. Knowing it is a true story is all the more reassuring. But when it came to actual letters Diane wrote to her kids, they meant nothing to me and evoked no emotion. It seemed like a great idea, executed with vain emptiness that you often find in shallow overtly beautiful fairy tales. :|

[Kaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first saw this book I thought it would be just another true story book that i'll read and soon forget about. But as I slip through the pages something strong hold me and I kept on reading till the final page. What I thought would be another superfluous reality turned out to be the greatest lesson about life. The lesson I learnt goes like this-No matter what we go through in our life there's always another person feeling more miserable about there life and other person luckier than we are. So what ever happens we got to live this beautiful life every second to its fullest and life will make its way through thick and thins as long as we always keep the door open for love and believe in its eternity.

[Jami · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a true story I found when listening to talk radio years ago. The description sounds like a real downer but it is not. It is a beautiful story and a great idea. I immediately went out and bought a box. I try to write letters to my kids on their birthdays, holidays, etc. I have adapted this idea into my own version of the letter box. I hope someday, whether I am dead or not, my kids will enjoy the letters as a glimpse into what life was like for me when they were little. I can only imagine how much I would treasure such letters from generations past.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a very warm, heartfelt story about journeying through loss and grief and the long road of recovery back to love again.Love the ideal of the letter box concept to capture the memories and feelings in your life that you want to share with the ones you love . I read it in a day . Good book , would recommend it for friends and family.

[Dee Toomey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book with an interesting concept for preserving memories for future generations. Incorporated into this idea is a sad, moving story of love, loss, and recovery. Good read. Short.

[Surya Teja]

A wonderful book. Must read