Strange Encounter Leads To Life Explanation

We introduced you to Bob Parenti nearly a year ago. His letters from combat in World War II to his current wife were made into a book, "A Story of Love and War."

Those letters from a 19 year-old questioning why he was fighting for someone else's freedom. Now, 64 years later he has his answer. In the form of Dick Huges. Parenti says, "This man verifies there was purpose and that helps me."

3 months ago, Dick was sailing around the world and made a short stop in Stuart. The Dutchman stopped a stranger on the street to ask a question. That stranger: Parenti. Their conversation lead to a realization: Dick was born in Holland in 1944. Bob, essentially, fought for Dick's freedom. Huges says, "Our history is related to each other. He risked his life to restore freedom in Europe and I made a profit of it."

Dick read Bob's book and wrote him this letter, "I do realize how important this was for my life and future."

Dick became a doctor and raised a family in Holland. Today, Bob is the grateful one, "By listening to this gentleman relate this to me now, after 60 years, telling me I was a part of his freedom is very emotional to me."

Bob Parenti plans to write a second book that includes this encounter.