Ever since he was a child, John had always been fascinated by Vaseline. He used it every day, applying it to his skin with a sense of ritual and purpose. But his parents had never been able to figure out why. They loved their son and wanted to understand him, but the mystery of the Vaseline remained unsolved.
One day, John’s father stumbled upon a hidden stash of old letters and photographs while cleaning the attic. As he read through the letters, he began to piece together the story of his own father – John’s grandfather – and the secret that had been passed down through the generations.
John’s grandfather had been a soldier in World War II and had suffered a terrible injury during combat. The Vaseline had been a gift from a fellow soldier, who had used it to soothe his own wounds. John’s grandfather had used the Vaseline ever since, as a way to connect with his lost friend and to honor his memory.
John’s father was shocked by this discovery, and he immediately confronted John about the Vaseline. John was reluctant at first, but eventually he opened up about his own reasons for using it. He explained that he felt a deep connection to his grandfather and that using the Vaseline every day helped him feel close to him.
John’s father was filled with a sense of pride and love for his son as he realized the depth of their family’s connection. From that moment on, John’s parents made a conscious effort to learn more about their family history and to pass on their own stories to their children.
