Gerald Nizbit sat frozen in his office, staring wide-eyed at the words glowing on his computer screen. His hands trembled slightly as he read—and re-read—the text of his mother’s will. It was a shock, a real shock. Without thinking twice, he grabbed the phone and barked to his assistant, “Helen, get me my lawyer. Then Margaret Pratt, and after that, my mother. In that order. Now!”
Helen, who had worked for Gerald for ten years, knew exactly what this meant. Gerald was impatient by nature—when he sounded like that, she dropped everything. Quickly, she started dialing. Meanwhile, Gerald couldn’t take his eyes off the screen. “She’s going to pay for this,” he muttered darkly.
Finally, Helen connected him with the lawyer. Gerald’s voice was sharp as a knife. “Sam, old boy,” he said, “you made a huge mistake. You sent me my mother’s will for my approval instead of sending it to her first!”
On the other end, Sam fumbled, apologizing profusely, but Gerald wasn’t interested in excuses. “Alright, enough,” he said, cutting the call.
Gerald stared out his massive floor-to-ceiling window at the gray New York skyline dusted with snow. His mind raced, but the phone soon rang again. It was Margaret Pratt. He got straight to the point.
“I want it ready today. No excuses,” he demanded. Margaret hesitated, but Gerald interrupted firmly, “If you can’t handle it, I’ll find someone who can. I expect it by 5 p.m.” There was a pause, then she agreed.
He picked up the internal phone. “Helen, put my mother through.”
Within seconds, Edith Nezbit’s calm voice filled the room. Gerald’s tone was cold, urgent: “Mother, two things. First, Sam Kelson sent me your new will by mistake… and second—you need to pack your bags. Now. Leave my house by 4 p.m. today.”
Silence. Edith was speechless, her heart pounding in shock. “Gerald… Are you upset about the will? Please, let me explain!” she pleaded softly.
But Gerald’s voice was icy. “I don’t want explanations, Mother. I want you packed and ready to leave by 4 o’clock.” Then he hung up.
Edith sat back, stunned. She had always thought Gerald understood her best—her youngest, the kindest, the one who stood by her when arthritis threatened to steal her independence. She had even moved into his beautiful home to make things easier for him. Yet now…
Slowly, Edith rose and went upstairs. Her hands shook as she packed her suitcase. She had left all her money and the big family house to her two older children, Amy and Oliver. Gerald was left only with the small cabin by the lake, some old war photos of her father, and her late husband’s watch. She believed Gerald would see why—why those things mattered more than money.
Tears blurred her vision as she folded clothes and carefully placed the keepsakes into the suitcase. She called the housekeeper for help, then waited anxiously downstairs, heart full of hope and fear.
At exactly 4 p.m., Gerald arrived, as punctual as ever. He entered the lounge and gave Edith a brief kiss on the cheek. She broke down, crying, “Please, Gerald. Let me explain!”
But he shook his head. “No time, Mother. Everything’s ready. Come on.” He picked up her suitcase and carried it to his car. Edith got in silently.
The drive was quiet. Finally, Edith asked nervously, “Where are we going, Gerald?”
He didn’t answer at first. Instead, he turned on the radio, the music filling the silence. Edith’s eyes wandered outside. They were driving through parts of the city she’d never seen before.
“About the will…” she started, gathering courage.
Gerald interrupted, “Oh, the will! The one where you left the house and $120,000 to Amy and Oliver… and me, the old cabin by the lake, grandfather’s war photos, and dad’s watch?”
“Yes,” Edith whispered.
Before she could say more, the car stopped. They had arrived at a small private airport. A sleek jet waited, shining in the afternoon sun.
Gerald turned to her, eyes shining with tears. “Mom, I understand about the money and the house. Amy and Oliver need it more, and I have more than enough.”
He smiled warmly. “But what you gave me… those memories, those pieces of our family’s heart… They mean everything. You know me so well.”
Edith gasped, tears falling. “I thought you were kicking me out!”
Gerald laughed softly. “No way! I’m taking you to Tahiti for two weeks. Your arthritis will love the warm weather, and I need some time with my mom.”
Tears of relief and joy streamed down Edith’s cheeks as she embraced her son tightly. Gerald had understood her intentions perfectly.
In Tahiti, the two spent beautiful days together. Gerald got a golden tan and even met a lovely woman from New York. Edith smiled secretly, wondering if grandchildren might not be far off after all.
What can we learn from this story?
Never judge someone’s intentions by your own fears. Edith was scared Gerald would be angry, so she thought he wanted her out. But Gerald’s love and understanding were deeper than money.
True value isn’t about dollars or possessions—it’s about what comes from the heart. For Gerald, the old photos, the watch, and the cabin were priceless treasures, far more meaningful than any fortune.
