When someone passes away, it can be hard to accept that they're gone. For adults, it's difficult to deal with the grief in all its forms. However, it can be even harder for young children to understand when a loved one is lost.
Jase's father passed away in May 2014, and ever since then, he's upheld a tradition. The seven-year-old, from West Lothian, Scotland, and his 10-year-old sister Neive, celebrate the occasion of their father's birthday every year since his death. This year, Jase decided to send a birthday card, adding a note for the postman to deliver it to his father.
"Mr postman, can you take this to Heaven for my dad's birthday, thanks," he wrote on the envelope.
The story was sweet enough, but the response from Royal Mail made the story even more heartwarming. Not only did they confirm that they had received his letter, but they responded to tell him that it had been delivered safely after a difficult journey.
"I actually cannot state how emotional he is knowing his dad got his card," his mother, Teri, said. "You didn't have to make the effort to do this, you could have just ignored it, but the fact that you have made the effort for a little boy you've never met is such a lovely thing to do."
"Royal Mail you've just restored my faith in humanity."
Teri shared photos of the letter her son sent, along with the reply, from Royal Mail's Sean Milligan - which read:
"While we've been delivering your post, we became aware of some concerns. So I just wanted to take this opportunity to contact you about how we succeeded in the delivery of your letter, to your dad in heaven.
"This was a difficult challenge avoiding stars and other galactic objects on route to heaven. However, please be assured that this particular important item of mail has been delivered.
"Royal Mail's priority is to get our customers' mail delivered safely, I know how important your mail is to you. I will continue to do all I can to ensure delivery to heaven safely."
Royal Mail also re-posted her initial Facebook post, helping the lovely story to go viral, with thousands of people sharing it with others.
Following the news that the letter had been delivered, Jase's mother explained how wonderful her son felt:
"He was overwhelmed and kept saying 'my dad really got my letter mum'... I've always told Neive and Jase even if you can't get anyone a present it's always nice to make sure you send a card at Christmas and birthdays.
"I want people to realise that a small gesture of kindness can have such a fantastic impact on someone's life... Royal Mail actually took part and that gives me so much comfort."
It just goes to show that even a small token of kindness can go a long way.
