Gerald Nizbit sat frozen in front of his computer screen, eyes wide in shock. The words he was reading made his heart pound and his mind race. Without wasting a second, he snatched up the phone and barked to his assistant, “Helen, get me my lawyer, then Margaret Pratt, then my mother—right now, in that order!”
Helen, who had worked as Gerald’s personal assistant for ten years, knew exactly what this meant. Gerald was not a patient man, especially when something urgent or upsetting popped up. She didn’t hesitate and started calling the lawyer immediately.
Meanwhile, Gerald stared at the screen again, shaking his head in disbelief. “She’s really going to pay for this,” he muttered under his breath, a flicker of anger flashing in his eyes.
At last, Helen got through to the lawyer and handed the phone to Gerald. “Sam,” Gerald said sharply, “you’ve made a huge mistake! You sent me my mother’s will for approval—when you were supposed to send it to her first!”
Sam’s voice trembled on the other end, full of apologies and embarrassment. But Gerald wasn’t interested in sympathy. “Just fix this, will you?” he said curtly and hung up.
Gerald leaned back in his chair, staring out at the snowy New York skyline beyond his floor-to-ceiling windows. His thoughts were a whirlwind—how could his mother have done this? What was she thinking?
His phone rang again. This time it was Margaret Pratt, the woman responsible for sorting out the estate papers. Gerald cut straight to the chase. “I want it ready today,” he said firmly.
Margaret hesitated, trying to explain the difficulties. But Gerald interrupted with a warning, “If you can’t get it done, I’ll find someone who can.” There was a pause, then she sighed in defeat. “Okay. You’ll have it by 5 p.m.”
He hung up and immediately dialed his mother’s number. Helen connected the call without delay. When Edith Nezbit’s calm voice came through the speaker, Gerald didn’t waste a moment.
“Mother, I’ve got two things to tell you. First, your lawyer accidentally sent me your new will. And second, pack your bags right away and get ready to leave my house.”
There was stunned silence on the other end. Edith’s voice trembled as she asked, “Gerald… are you angry about the will? Please, let me explain.”
Gerald’s tone was cold and sharp. “No explanations. I want your bags packed by 4 p.m., and you need to be out of here.”
Click. Gerald ended the call.
Edith sat back, her heart pounding painfully. She couldn’t believe this was happening. She had trusted Gerald, the youngest of her three children—the one who had always stood by her through thick and thin. When her arthritis had worsened last year, even though she was only 62, Gerald had been the first to invite her into his home to care for her.
Now, here she was, packing her bags quietly upstairs, tears blurring her vision. Yes, she had left her money to her older children Amy and Oliver. But she had thought Gerald would understand her choices. After all, the cabin by the lake and the family photos meant everything to him—more than any amount of cash.
Trembling, she called Gerald’s housekeeper for help with her suitcase, then waited downstairs, heart heavy with worry and hope.
At exactly 4 p.m., Gerald arrived, as punctual as ever. He entered the room, gave Edith a quick kiss on the cheek, and she broke down, pleading, “Please, Gerald, let me explain!”
But Gerald was firm. “No time. Come on.” He picked up her bag and carried it out to his car.
The ride was quiet. Edith nervously glanced around unfamiliar streets. “Where are we going?” she finally asked.
Gerald switched on the radio and didn’t answer.
Trying again, Edith began, “About the will, I—”
Gerald interrupted, his voice soft but serious. “The will where you left the house and $120,000 to Amy and Oliver, and the old cabin, grandpa’s war photos, and dad’s watch to me?”
Edith whispered, “Yes, I did…”
Before she could say more, Gerald stopped the car. They had arrived at a small private airport. A sleek private jet waited on the tarmac.
Tears glistened in Gerald’s eyes as he turned to his mother. “Mom, I get it now. Amy and Oliver need the money. I’m lucky—I have more than enough. But what you gave me—the memories, the cabin, those photos—they mean the world to me.”
Edith gasped, “I thought you were sending me away, Gerald! I was so afraid…”
Gerald smiled warmly. “No way! I’m taking you to Tahiti for two weeks. Your arthritis will love the warm weather, and honestly, I could use some quality time with my mom.”
Tears streaming, Edith hugged him tightly. He understood her better than she’d ever hoped. She knew that the precious keepsakes of her father and husband would be safe in Gerald’s hands, cherished and passed down with love.
Their trip to Tahiti was wonderful. Gerald got a sun-kissed tan and even met a charming woman from New York who was vacationing there too. Edith watched her son with a happy heart, quietly hoping grandchildren wouldn’t be far behind.
What can we learn from this story?
Never judge someone’s actions based on your own fears. Edith was scared Gerald would be angry about her will, but instead, he showed how deeply he cared. Real value isn’t about money—it’s about what touches the heart. For Gerald, the old photos, the cabin, and his family’s history meant far more than any amount of cash. True love and understanding are the greatest inheritance anyone can leave behind.