The family is confused when Amy’s grandfather leaves half his money to his feuding neighbor in his will. A letter discloses the truth, and the family realizes their grandfather surprised them more than they expected. What’s next?
Never understood why my grandfather carried grudges, especially his ongoing fight with our neighbor John.
I recall my grandfather and John fighting over the smallest things, notably their beautiful gardens.
My grandfather made sure our garden had flowers because my mother and I adored them.
He told me, “Amy,” as we ate freshly baked cookies, “For as long as I can still garden, you and your mom will have fresh flowers.”
As I grew, I identified it with him.
The competition with John was another childhood memory. Local mythology described continuous minor complaints and crafty sabotage that everyone in town knew about.
My grandfather’s health had been declining for months. He regularly had blood tests and other health checks.
After my grandmother’s untimely heart attack a few years ago, my grandfather started taking vitamins and supplements with breakfast.
“I don’t have an illness, or anything,” he said during supper. “It’s just old age finally catching up to me.”
My grandfather died.
I was about to read my grandfather’s will after months. My mom and I waited at our family lawyer’s office for my grandfather’s final wishes.
My mother cried, unable to realize my grandfather was gone. In the end, we were grateful for his quiet death and magnificent burial that celebrated his life.
The lawyer read the will and discussed what my grandfather left us. I received some of my grandfather’s money, my mother his antique furniture, and my father his tie and bow tie collection.
“What about the rest?” my mom inquired. “The rest of Dad’s money was supposed to be for your studies, Amy.”
“Relax, Jessica,” my dad murmured. “Amy has been given more than enough for now.”
The lawyer raised his eyebrows before reading the will.
“To his neighbor, John Gilliam, Matthew had left $350K and his vintage car.”
“What?” my mom blew. That’s impossible! Is it authentic? My father despised John.”
Lawyer: “Yes, it’s legitimate,” shaking head. “But he also left a letter behind.”
“A letter?” “Can we read it?”
“It’s addressed to John, but I’ve been instructed to read it out for you all first.”
He slowly unfurled a yellowed paper and read, filling the air with a profound, stirring silence that engulfed us.
We were unprepared for my grandfather’s letter.
Dear John,
Please inform my family that I couldn’t leave you in your sadness despite our ridiculous feud for most of our lives. As a worthy opponent, you have my respect, especially in your time of need.
I learned Olive’s condition. She’s unwell and needs a kidney transplant.
Doctor Mackay let it slip when I got my bloods drawn. I learned about Olive’s health from him, so don’t be furious with him.
Use this money for her treatment. Use it to save your child. I’m leaving my car to you since I pledged to pay for my granddaughter’s education.
Worth a lot. Sell Olive to raise funds. With this gift, I wish to relieve that load for her.
Warmly,
Matthew
My jaw dropped.
My grandfather was one of the kindest guys ever. He was my lifelong presence. Ready to drop me off and pick me up at school. Often involving park or ice cream outings before home.
He was everything good in the world.
So I heartily believed his remarks.
The three of us went to John’s house after the lawyer’s office to discuss my grandfather’s desires.
I knew my mother struggled to accept her father’s acts, but she acknowledged their value.
John opened the door, confused.
“Hello,” he carefully allowed us in.
John’s wife served us tea, and my father told the family what we learnt.
“It should become official soon,” my father added, eating scones.
“I can’t believe he did that,” John shrugged.
She inquired, “Has your daughter been ill for long?”
John nods.
“Olive’s been ill for a very long time,” he said. “We’ve tried everything, exhausting her body and my finances. Since we have no medical insurance, everything is cash. Your father’s actions…”
Nobody spoke for a while. Wondered where Olive was.
“She’s asleep,” John murmured, as if hearing my thoughts.
My mother asked, “So what does this mean now?” “Olive gets onto the list for a transplant?”
John nods.
“She’s already on the list; we just needed the money to make it happen.”
Then we went home. I sat in my grandfather’s room and glanced at his faded wallpaper and ancient books.
I saw things more clearly as I thought about it. His demeanor changed significantly in his final months. John no longer received glares over the fence.
My grandfather spent his evenings swinging on the porch swing and staring at the sunset with a meditative, distant look.
Now he knew he had to decide whether to leave a harsh legacy or a generous legacy.
John knocked on our door months later after Olive found her match.
“It’s time!” he exclaimed, sitting down to dine at our table.
After my grandfather died, John became a family fixture. He took care of our garden and dog during the day, even walking him.
John told us about Olive’s surgery while my mother piled his plate.
Saying “It’s tomorrow,” Overwhelmed and nervous. Need this to function. It must.”
“And it will,” dad said. “You’ve got to have faith.”
Olive had surgery the next day, so I waited in the hospital waiting area. John was nuts, pacing and rubbing his hands.
“There’s still a few hours,” he said, checking his watch.
My mother was too anxious to leave the house, so I begged him to sit with me.
After John sat down, we waited for Olive’s doctors to update us. We needed some sound.
When I saw Olive later, her eyes welled up.
“Amy,” she said. “I cannot thank you and your family enough.”
In his passing, my grandfather drew our families closer. We had many traits, and I sometimes saw my grandfather in John.
Next birthday, John gave me my grandfather’s automobile.
“This is rightfully yours, darling,” he handed me the keys.
Every time I visit my grandfather’s grave, I’m glad for his lessons—that you may change at any time, foolish grudge or not. Not everything is fixed.
Soon, I’ll drive off to university in my grandfather’s automobile, knowing he’s looking over me.
Do you have comparable stories?
Another tale | Kevin’s parents invite Priya and Kevin to supper. However, at the restaurant, the couple receives rude remarks with their meals.
Inspired by true events and people, this work is fictionalized for creativity. To preserve privacy and enrich the story, names, characters, and facts were changed. Any resemblance to real people, events, or places is unintentional.
The author and publisher neither guarantee event authenticity nor character characterization and are not liable for misinterpretation. While this work is presented “as is,” the characters’ viewpoints do not reflect those of the author or publishe
