Son Sees His Old Mothers Will and Orders Her to Pack Her Stuff Immediately
A son stumbles upon his mother’s will, and its contents lead him to tell her, “Pack your bags. You’re leaving my house immediately.”
Gerald Nizbit stared at the email on his screen in disbelief. He picked up the phone. “Helen,” he instructed his assistant, “Get me my lawyer, then Margaret Pratt, and finally my mother — in that order.”
Helen, who had been his assistant for a decade, knew that Gerald was not a man to test for patience. She dialed the lawyer promptly. In the meantime, Gerald continued to stare at his screen, seething with a mixture of anger and determination. He’d pay her back for this — no doubt about it.
Finally, Helen got the lawyer on the line. “Sam,” Gerald snapped, “you made quite the blunder! You accidentally sent me my mother’s new will instead of sending it directly to her.”
On the other end, Sam fumbled for apologies, but Gerald, already having made his point, dismissed him. He spent a few moments brooding, looking out over the New York skyline before the next call came in.
This time it was Margaret Pratt. Gerald explained his needs without delay. “I need this taken care of today, Miss Pratt,” he said firmly. Her hesitation was brief, and he added, “If you can’t handle it, I’ll find someone who can.” The response on the other end of the line seemed to satisfy him. “Good. Today at 5 p.m., then.”
Next, he called Helen. “Please connect me to my mother,” he said, and in moments, the call went through.
“Mother,” he said, “two things. First, your lawyer accidentally sent me your new will. Second, I want you to pack your bags — you’re leaving today.”
Edith, who was sitting in her son’s lovely home where she’d lived for nearly a year, was speechless. “Gerald, please — if this is about the will, let me explain…”
“I don’t need explanations,” Gerald cut in sharply. “Just make sure you’re ready to leave by 4 p.m.” He hung up, leaving Edith with her heart racing. She thought Gerald would understand!
He’d always been the one to stand by her, supporting her through life’s struggles, and when her arthritis had become unmanageable this past year, Gerald had taken her into his home. Now, she feared she had lost his love over a misunderstanding.
Edith packed her things tearfully, still trying to convince herself that Gerald would understand her intentions. She knew he wasn’t in need; he was wealthy and secure, while her other two children, Amy and Oliver, were struggling. She’d left her house and savings to them, assuming Gerald wouldn’t mind inheriting the family’s heirlooms and cabin instead.
When he arrived at 4 p.m., he greeted her with a brief nod, picking up her suitcase and placing it in the car. As they drove in silence, Edith mustered the courage to speak. “Gerald,” she began, “about the will…”
“Oh, the will!” Gerald interrupted with a sideways glance. “The one where you leave the house and savings to Amy and Oliver, while I get the lake cabin, Dad’s watch, and Grandpa’s old war photos?”
“Yes,” Edith whispered, her voice trembling.
At that moment, Gerald pulled up in front of a small private airport where a sleek jet was waiting. He turned to her, his expression softening. “Mom, I understand. You know me well. Money doesn’t mean nearly as much to me as those memories and keepsakes. Your decision just shows me how much you understand what truly matters to me.”
Edith’s eyes filled with tears. “But Gerald,” she gasped, “I thought you were angry — I thought you were sending me away!”
Gerald grinned. “Not a chance! I’m taking you on a two-week trip to Tahiti. A little sunshine will be good for your arthritis, and I’d love some quality time with my mom.”
Overcome with relief, Edith hugged him, her heart full of gratitude. Gerald had understood the heart behind her decision, and they enjoyed a wonderful trip together. Edith watched her son unwind, even meeting a woman from New York on vacation, and she couldn’t help but feel hopeful for the future.
This story reminds us:
- Don’t judge others’ intentions through the lens of your own fears. Edith’s assumptions nearly caused her to misinterpret her son’s intentions.
- True value isn’t defined by wealth but by what touches the heart. For Gerald, his family’s keepsakes were far more meaningful than money.
Share this story with friends; it might brighten their day and inspire them to appreciate the treasures money can’t buy.