Wife Does Not Receive Any Gifts from Her Husband At All, Gets First One Only After His Death
In 28 years of a joyful marriage, Gracie Harper had never received a single gift from her late husband, Victor. Yet one morning, after his passing, she opened her door to find a package from him, with a revelation about why he had never given her a present before.
When Gracie married Victor Blake, she was certain it was the best decision she’d ever made. They’d met when Victor, a furniture loader, delivered new pieces to the hotel where she worked. His kindness and contentment with a modest life won Gracie over, and soon after, she was the one who proposed. Despite having little, Victor always seemed full of love, and she felt fortunate.
Years later, Victor inherited a furniture business from his employer, the elderly Mr. Borris, who had no heirs. Under Victor’s leadership, the company thrived, but Gracie was the one left disappointed in one thing: she had never received a gift from him. Though she knew he had little money in the early years, once they were financially secure, she couldn’t understand why he never bought her anything—not even on anniversaries or birthdays. He was generous with others, donating to charity and spoiling their children with the best, yet he always ignored her hints for even a simple present.
Once, at lunch with friends, Gracie watched as they flaunted their husbands’ thoughtful gifts. She was embarrassed when her friend Samantha displayed a diamond bracelet and Olivia spoke of surprise bouquets at her workplace. When they asked what Victor had given her, Gracie lied, saying, “We’ve banned gifts, preferring to show love in other ways,” masking the hurt she felt.
Finally, Gracie tried dropping a hint about a diamond brooch she hoped Victor would get her for her upcoming birthday. But tragically, two days before the day, they learned Victor had stage 4 cancer and only months to live. Gracie forgot her own wish, dedicating herself to his care. Seven months later, she was devastated when he passed away.
Ten days after his death, on their wedding anniversary, a grief-stricken Gracie opened her door to find a mysterious package with a note that read, “From Victor to Gracie.” Inside was a letter and an unusual advent calendar with 28 compartments—one for each year of their marriage. As Gracie read the letter, tears filled her eyes.
“Dear Gracie,” it began, “Happy 28th anniversary, my love. I’m so sorry I never gifted you anything all these years. You know my difficult childhood. When my father remarried, my stepmother took everything from me after he died. I swore I’d never marry a woman who loved me for wealth. Even after I became successful, I was afraid that showing my love with gifts might distort our love’s purity.
But I know I was wrong. I didn’t realize the pain I was causing you. I heard your hints about the diamond brooch, and though I lacked time to fulfill all your wishes, I asked a friend to help me create this. I hope it brings you some joy. Even though death separates us, my love will remain with you always.
Love,
Your not-so-miserly husband,
Victor”
Over the following days, Gracie opened one compartment each day, starting from the 28th year’s box. Inside, she found the brooch she’d wanted, tickets to Paris where they’d honeymooned, her favorite perfume, a diamond pendant, and more—a symbolic gift for each year they’d spent together. Though Victor would never return, Gracie felt his love with each carefully chosen gift, his final gesture affirming that he had, in his own way, always cherished her deeply.