I was disappointed but not surprised. Walter had always been about what he could gain, while I valued the things that truly mattered.
I wanted to honor Grandma’s wish, but I didn’t have the money. My family was barely getting by, and I had debts to pay.
Still, I couldn’t abandon the promise I’d made.
I used every dollar of my savings and borrowed from a close friend to begin rebuilding the house. It was hard work. Most of the time, I was out there alone, hammering, painting, and fixing.
One day, while digging in the front yard to repair the sewage system, my shovel hit something solid.
Curious, I uncovered a wooden hatch. Beneath it was a short staircase leading to an underground room.
With a flashlight in hand, I climbed down. In the middle of the room was an old wooden chest with a letter on top.
My hands shook as I opened it.
The letter was from my grandfather.
“To my grandson Harry,
If you’re reading this, you’ve honored your grandmother’s wish, and for that, I thank you. I asked her to tell you about the house because I always believed in your integrity and love for family. If Walter is with you, I’m glad he’s had a change of heart.
Inside this chest are items that belong to our family.
Take this letter to my lawyer, and you’ll find what you deserve. Your grandmother and I are watching over you. Enjoy this house and cherish your family.
With love, Grandpa.”
Tears filled my eyes.
My grandfather had always been a man of wisdom and foresight, and even in death, he found a way to guide me.
Inside the chest were family albums, heirlooms, and a small box of my grandparents’ jewelry. I clutched the letter and went straight to their lawyer.
The lawyer smiled when I handed him the letter. “Your grandfather always said it would be you who would bring this to me,” he said.
I felt a wave of gratitude as he explained the next steps.
“Your grandfather left you a bank account with $300,000. If you hadn’t rebuilt the house, the money was to go to charity.”
My breath caught in my throat. $300,000.
It was more money than I’d ever dreamed of having.
I knew what I had to do. I donated $100,000 to charities for the elderly, in honor of my grandparents. The rest, I used to pay off my debts and finish rebuilding the house.
The house became a home again, just as Grandma and Grandpa would have wanted.
My wife and I sold our old home and moved in. We started a small café, funded by the remaining money, and poured our hearts into making it a success.
Soon, our business took off, and for the first time, we were free from financial stress. The house became the center of our lives, a place filled with love and laughter, just as it had been for my grandparents.
Walter?
He never came around, but I’ve made peace with that. This house is my family’s legacy, a symbol of love and hard work passed down through generations.
Grandpa’s words stayed with me: “Cherish your family.” And that’s exactly what I’ll do, ensuring this house remains in our family for years to come.
