I cared for a wealthy, elderly woman for years till she died. Her family suddenly appeared after her death, seeking her wealth. She left us a surprise that changed everything.
Mrs. Patterson was in my care for seven great years. The old woman was weak and lonely. Her family abandoned her, but she had enough money to pay me to care for her. I never imagined complications from this profession.
Mrs. Patterson had a large hilltop residence with gardens. Though she had staff, she was no longer able to do much. Once vibrant, her eyes have dimmed with age. They lit up again when we played Scrabble or prepared her renowned apple pies.
Her family visited sufficiently to show concern. They would appear in posh clothes, grin for money, and depart.
She waited at the window, sorrowful, for them after they went. They never did.
She eventually became my family, not just my employer. We laughed, told stories, and relaxed. She enjoyed taking our photos. Her money did not protect her from loneliness.
No family left either. My parents died, leaving me their only kid. I rented a modest room near Mrs. Patterson’s. Our relationship made my basic life worthwhile.
One rainy afternoon, she sighed as we watched the window showers. Grace, you are my only true caregiver. I appreciate that.”
Quite surprised. I don’t need thanks, Mrs. Patterson. I enjoyed caring for you all these years.”
We rarely talked about her family, but I could tell they didn’t care. I observed them focus on her jewelry and money. She smiled when I held her hand.
Grace, I’m pleased you’re here. I have no true family except you.”
I hid tears. “You are my family.”
I felt even more responsible for her after that day, even though we never talked about it. It was more than work—I adored her. I should have realized she was leaving.
One morning, I found her sleeping in bed. She smiled softly and held a photo of her late spouse. My knees buckled, and I fell, sad.
I knew what to do. I saw where she kept her kids’ numbers. After hearing the news, they dismissed me and said they would handle everything.
The funeral was quiet. Her black-clad children, grandchildren, and relatives exchanged phony condolences. They cried, yet their eyes were greedy.
The excitement and thirst for her money were obvious. They ignored me except for a suspicious gaze.
The service ended, and I sat alone in the church, lost. She was my friend and family, not just my boss.
I returned to my modest room fatigued and mourning that night. I remembered her laughter, perfume, and warmth. I heard a strong knock at the door as I fell into my sadness.
That knock altered everything.
Two police officers were waiting when I opened the door. Tall man with graying hair spoke first. Are you Grace?
My heart raced as I nodded. “Yes…is something wrong?”
“We need you to come with us,” he continued.
Fear grabbed me. Were my actions wrong? Did I let Mrs. Patterson down? Worry flooded my mind.
Driving to Mrs. Patterson’s house, I followed them. With security guards, the grand entrance looked different. Every family member and a lawyer were inside. Tension filled the room.
When I entered, her daughter Victoria pointed at me in anger. “She is! She duped my mom! She arranged everything!”
I froze. “I don’t get it.”
Cleared his throat. Here to read Mrs. Patterson’s will. Her family wanted it now. Grace, your name is in the will.”
Murmurs filled the room. The lawyer opened and read the document.
“Forgive my children, for they abandoned me long ago.”
Victoria gasped. My brother Mark clinched his fists.
“To my grandchildren, I hope they will learn the value of love and loyalty.”
Their joy faded as they looked bewildered.
“And to my Grace, my caretaker, friend, and family… I leave all. House, land, money—everything.”
Chaos broke out in the room.
Annoyed, Victoria went red. This is false! She dug for gold!”
Mark charged me, but the guards stopped him. He wrestled, saying, “You manipulated her!” This is scam!”
Speechless, I stood there. “I never requested any of this.”
A lawyer raised his hand. This reaction was expected by Mrs. Patterson. She left Grace letters, photos, and records. She wanted to express her choice.”
He gave me a collection of photos of us baking, playing games, and laughing. Her exquisite handwritten letters. My hands shook as I grasped the package, crying.
Now I know why she took so many photos. She knew what would happen after her death. The security guards understood the lawyer’s final instruction:
Grace, my nanny, needs security when my family hears of my decision. I doubt they’ll handle this well.”
Pale Victoria fell into the couch. “She left us nothing?”
A lawyer nodded. You abandoned her, she said. This is her last wish.”
With nothing to discuss, the guards led the family out as they shouted in protest. As greed consumed them, I saw them leave.
The lawyer contacted me when the home was quiet.
Grace, she loved you. She wanted a house for you. A family.”
I fell on the floor crying. “I loved her too.”
His hand was on my shoulder. “Honor her memory by living in her beloved home.”
The notary gave me the house key and had me sign some paperwork before leaving with the cops.
Looked around, overwhelmed. Her grand house was now mine. Empty but full of her.
Mrs. Patterson gave me more than a house. Even in death, she gave me a family. As I held the box of memories, I understood she will always be with me—my friend, grandmother, home.
Her “family”? Nothing but regrets remained.
