Yes, she’d left all her money to her two older children, but she honestly thought Gerald would understand. Edith stared at her suitcase with tears blurring her vision. She had hurt her most beloved and kindest child!
She had to explain! Edith called Gerald’s housekeeper to help her with her suitcase and went downstairs to wait anxiously for Gerald. At 16:00, there he was, punctual as ever.
He walked in, gave her a brief peck on the cheek, and Edith cried, “Please Gerald, let me explain!”
“I don’t have time for explanations, Mother. Come,” he said. “Everything is arranged.” He picked up Edith’s bag and carried it out to his car and put it in his trunk.
Edith got into the car without a word. Gerald drove without saying a word. “Where are we going, Gerald?” Edith asked, but Gerald chose that exact moment to turn on the radio and didn’t answer her.
Edith looked around. She’d never been to this part of the city before…
“Listen, Gerald, about the will…” Edith said bravely. “Oh, the will!” said Gerald, glancing over at his mother and frowning.
“The will in which you leave your house and $120,000 in savings to be divided between Amy and Oliver, and I get the old cabin by the lake and grandfather’s photos from the war, and dad’s watch?”
“Yes…” whispered Edith. “You see…” But right then Gerald stopped the car. They had arrived at what appeared to be a small private airport, and a sleek private jet was waiting.
Gerald turned to Edith, and there were tears in his eyes. “Oh, mom, I understand about the house and the money. Amy and Oliver are struggling, and I have more money than I could ever spend.
“But what you are leaving me, mom, shows me how well you understand me. You know exactly what is important to me and close to my heart. I have all the money I need, but the memories you are giving me are precious!”
“But Gerald…” gasped Edith.
“I thought you were kicking me out!”
Gerald grinned. “No such luck! I’m taking you to Tahiti for two weeks.
I think it would do your arthritis the world of good, and I could use some quality time with my mom!”
Edith embraced her youngest — and secretly her favorite son, with tears in her eyes. He’d understood! Edith knew that her father’s and her husband’s keepsakes would be cherished and passed on lovingly by Gerald.
The two spent a lovely time in Tahiti, and Gerald got himself a tan and even met a lovely girl who was also on vacation and came from New York, and it looked to Edith like maybe she wouldn’t have to wait too long for those grandchildren after all!
