A son finds his mother’s will – and what he reads makes him tell her to pack her bags and leave his house immediately.
Gerald Nizbit stared at the message on his computer screen in disbelief. Then he picked up the phone. “Helen,” he said coldly, “get my lawyer on the line, then Margaret Pratt, then my mother — in that order!”
Helen, his personal assistant for over ten years, knew well that Gerald wasn’t a man known for patience. She immediately started dialing his attorney. Meanwhile, Gerald remained in his office, shaking his head. He was determined to give his mother a taste of her own medicine.
Eventually, Helen connected the call with the lawyer. Gerald didn’t waste time. “Sam,” he said sharply, “you’ve made a serious error. You sent me my mother’s will instead of sending it to her for approval.”
Sam, clearly flustered on the other end, stammered apologies. But Gerald had said what he needed to and quickly hung up. He stared out his giant floor-to-ceiling window at the snow-covered New York skyline until the phone rang again.
This time it was Margaret Pratt. Gerald stated his request firmly, ending with, “I need it today, Miss Pratt.” When she began objecting, he cut her off. “If you can’t manage it, I’ll find someone who can.” Her reply made him smile tightly. “Today at 5:00 PM then,” he concluded and ended the call.
He picked up the internal line. “Helen, you can get my mother now.”
In seconds, Helen patched through Mrs. Edith Nezbit. “Mother,” Gerald said firmly. “I have two things to tell you. First, Sam Kelson mistakenly sent me your new will. And second, I want you to pack your bags and be ready to leave by 4:00 PM.”
Edith, sitting in Gerald’s beautiful home where she lived with him, was stunned. “Gerald… are you upset about the will? Please let me explain…”
“I don’t want explanations, Mother. Just be packed and ready,” he said and hung up. Edith sat frozen, her heart pounding. She had believed Gerald would understand.
He was her youngest son and the one who had always stood by her. When her arthritis had worsened last year — though she was only 62 — he had taken her into his home and cared for her.
She quietly went upstairs and packed her things. Yes, she had left her house and savings to her two older children, but she’d thought Gerald would understand. Her eyes filled with tears as she stared at the suitcase.
She had hurt her most loyal and kind-hearted child. She needed to explain. She called the housekeeper to help her with the luggage and waited downstairs for Gerald, heart in her throat.
At 4:00 sharp, Gerald walked in. He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “Please, Gerald, let me explain,” Edith begged.
“I don’t have time for explanations, Mother. Let’s go,” he said. He took her suitcase, loaded it into the trunk, and helped her into the car. Edith said nothing.
“Where are we going, Gerald?” she finally asked. He turned on the radio and didn’t respond. She looked out the window — unfamiliar streets passed by.
“Gerald, about the will…” she tried again.
“Oh yes, the will!” he said, frowning. “The one where you leave the house and $120,000 to Amy and Oliver, while I get the old lakeside cabin, Grandpa’s war photos, and Dad’s watch?”
“Yes…” she whispered. “You see…”
But at that moment, Gerald stopped the car. They had arrived at a small private airport, where a sleek private jet was waiting.
He turned to her, eyes shining with emotion. “Mom, I understand about the house and the money. Amy and Oliver are struggling. I have more money than I could ever spend.
“But what you’re leaving me — it shows how well you know me. You understand what truly matters to me. Those memories are worth more than any amount of money.”
“But Gerald…” Edith gasped. “I thought you were throwing me out!”
Gerald laughed. “Not a chance! I’m taking you to Tahiti for two weeks. The climate will help your arthritis, and I’d love some quality time with my mother.”
Edith embraced her youngest son with tears of joy. He understood! She knew he would treasure those keepsakes — and that he would pass them on with love.
They had a wonderful time in Tahiti. Gerald got a healthy tan and even met a lovely woman from New York. Edith had a feeling she might not have to wait too long to become a grandmother.
What can we learn from this story?
Don’t assume people’s intentions based on your fears. Edith feared Gerald’s reaction, but he surprised her with kindness.
True value comes from the heart — not from money. For Gerald, memories were worth more than any inheritance.
If this story touched you, share it. You never know who might need a little light in their day.
