Well, my cousin has entrusted to me a family heirloom, today. A saddle. My mother was firstborn, then her brother Arnold, then Eldon, then Clifton, then Veldonna.
Arnold bought this saddle in 1942 or 43, best we can tell from family lore, from the Sears & Roebuck catalogue. He would saddle his horse, Prince, and ride to his future wife's parents house. Back then it was called courting. He was probably 18. He was drafted into the army, possibly 1944. Don't know the exact date. He was killed on Luzon island, the Phillipeenes, April 1945. He was 19 years old. 5 months before the end of WWII. While I will never use it, I don't ride horses and am too fat for this one, he knows I will take care of it and pass it on to another who will take care of it.
It's a good feeling to touch it and know that an uncle of mine, whom I've never met, sat in it at one time, even though it was brief.
Very nice story Steve. Sorry you never got to meet him.