It was just meant to be a nice gift for her daughter. But a second-hand book about Disney princesses has turned into a whole lot more for a mum from Melbourne.
Natalie Coleman, of St Kilda, recently purchased a copy of Five Minute Princess Stories for her daughter Leni from a second-hand bookstore. However, when she sat down to read a story to her daughter, the pair discovered a tragic message written inside the cover.
Natalie Coleman, of St Kilda, recently purchased a copy of Five Minute Princess Stories for her daughter Leni from a second-hand bookstore. However, when she sat down to read a story to her daughter, the pair discovered a tragic message written inside the cover.
The handwritten dedication was left by a father for his daughter, Alexis.
It reads:
"Dear Alexis, if you're getting this without me, it's because unfortunately, my circumstances got too grim for me to give it to you yourself."You need to know I always loved you with all my heart. You were the first thing I thought about when I work up in the morning and the last thing I thought about at night.
"Love Dad (Barry)."
Natalie instantly knew that this book must have meant a lot to someone and became determined to return it to its rightful owner. In a post shared on a Facebook group called St Kilda Stories and Images, she posted images of the book. Alongside the pictures, she wrote: "I recently picked up this book from a St Kilda Op-shop for my daughter."The message just breaks my heart... if you know Alexis (Dad named Barry) I would love to return your book."
Her post has been shared numerous times, with many leaving messages of support. According to the Herald Sun, Natalie has since returned to the store where she purchased the book, but staff were unable to help her trace the original owner. She told them: "As much as we love the book, we'd like to see it returned to the girl whose dad wrote the letter."Any young person would treasure these words from their father."