Dad receives Father's Day card from son who died of AIDS 20 years ago

Duane Schrock received a Father's Day card from his son who died in 1995, 26 years after it was first posted

Duane Schrock received a message from his son from beyond the grave that had been delayed for 26 years (ABC News/ YouTube)

An 87-year-old man from Virginia has called a Father’s Day card sent by his son “a sign from heaven” after it arrived in his mailbox this year after being posted in 1989.

Duane Schrock, who has moved around the United States several times, finally received the card after it had been returned to the sender and forwarded for nearly three decades.

Schrock’s son, Duane Schrock Jr, died from AIDS in 1995 when he was 45 years old. Receiving the card posthumously after so many years Schrock said was “unbelievable”.

He said: “I still kind of tear up when I think about it. To get it just a few days after Father’s Day, mailed in 1989 for Father’s Day.”

The Father's Day card sent in 1989 (ABC News/ YouTube)

Schrock told ABC 13 that he did not agree with his son’s homosexual lifestyle and their relationship was “tumultuous at times”. In letter, Schrock Jr, hopes to speak with his father after being out of touch.

Duane Schrock's wife and son (ABC News/ YouTube)

“Dear dad,” said letter, “we haven’t been in touch for quite a while. I’m doing fine and am very happy in Richmond. I’d like to hear from you. Have a happy father’s day. Love Duane.”

Schrock said the card was “welcome” and he was pleased that someone in the postal service had “picked up the ball and carried it… After all these years.”