Gerard Nizbit stared at the text on the screen in amazement, then picked up the phone. ‘Helen,’ he said sternly to his assistant. ‘Call me my solicitor, then Marguerite Pratt, then my mother – in that order!’
Helen had been Gerard’s personal assistant for ten years now, and she knew full well that he wasn’t the most patient person, so she immediately started calling his solicitor. In the office, Gerard sat shaking his head in shock. Oh, he was going to pay her back for this!
Finally, Helen was able to contact the lawyer and put him on the line. ‘Sam,’ Gerard said firmly. ‘Old man, I want to let you know that you’ve made a mistake! You sent my mother’s will to me for probate instead of sending it to her.’
On the other end of the line, the lawyer started to apologise, but Gerard had said all he wanted to say and hung up immediately. He sat looking out the window at snowy New York City until the phone rang again.
This time it was Marguerite Pratt calling. Gerard stated his demands clearly and said: ‘I need it today, Miss Pratt.’ He listened to her objections from the other end of the line and interrupted:
‘If you can’t resolve this matter, I’ll go to someone who can.’ The reply from the other side of the line brought a grim smile to his face. ‘At 5pm today then,’ he said and hung up.
He dialled the extension. ‘Helen, you can put me through to my mother now,’ Gerard said.
In a few seconds the never wasting time Helen wired him to Mrs Edith Nizbit. ‘Mum!’ – Gerard said. ‘I have two pieces of news. Firstly, Sam Kelson has sent me your new will by mistake, and secondly, I want you to pack your bags and be ready to leave before 4pm.’
Sitting in Gerard’s living room where she lived, Edith was stunned. ‘Gerard… Did you misunderstand something? I wanted to explain everything to you…’
‘No explanation needed, Mum, I want your suitcases packed and I want you ready to leave by 4pm,’ Gerard said and hung up. Edith sat there with her heart beating frantically. She thought Gerard would understand!
He was the youngest of her three children and the one who had always supported her, helped her through the difficulties of life. When arthritis threatened to paralyse her this year, even though she was only 62, he had taken her into his home.
Edith went up to her room and began packing her suitcase. Yes, she had left all her money to her older children, but she genuinely thought Gerard would understand. Edith looked at her suitcase and tears blurred her vision.
She had hurt her most beloved and kindest child! She needed to explain herself! Edith called the housekeeper to help her with her suitcase and, nervously waiting for Gerard, went downstairs.
At 4pm he arrived, on time as always. He walked in, gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, and Edith exclaimed: ‘Please, Gerard, let me explain!’
‘I don’t need an explanation, Mum. Let’s go,’ he said. ‘It’s all settled now.’ He picked up Edith’s suitcase and carried it to his car. Edith got into the car without saying a word.
Gerard drove in silence. ‘Where are we going, Gerard?’ – Edith asked, but Gerard switched on the radio just at that moment and didn’t answer. Edith looked around. She had never been to this part of town.
‘Gerard, about the will…’ – Edith spoke boldly.
‘Ah, the will!’ – Gerard said, glancing at his mother and frowning his eyebrows. ‘In which you leave the house and $120,000 in savings, dividing it between Amy and Oliver, and to me the old cabin by the lake, grandfather’s pictures from the war, and papa’s watch?’
‘Yes…’ – Edith whispered. ‘You understand…’ But at that moment Gerard stopped the car. They had come to a small private airport, and there was a swanky private jet on the runway.
Gerard turned to Edith, and tears glistened in his eyes. ‘Oh mum, I understand about the house and the money. Amy and Oliver are going through hard times right now, and I have more money than I can spend.
But what you’re leaving me, Mum, shows how well you understand me. You know what is important to me and what is dear to me. I have all the money I need, and these memories you’re leaving me are priceless!’
‘But Gerard…’ – Edith aghast. ‘I thought you kicked me out!’
Gerard grinned. ‘That’s not the case! I’m taking you with me to Tahiti for a fortnight. I think it’ll do you good with your arthritis, and I could use the time with my mum!’
Edith hugged her youngest – and secretly favourite son – with tears in her eyes. He understood! Edith knew that the souvenirs from her father and husband would be cherished and given lovingly to Gerard.
They had a wonderful two weeks on Tahiti, Gerard got a tan and even met a pretty girl, also on holiday, who was from New York, and Edith thought that maybe she wouldn’t have to wait long for those grandchildren!
**What can we learn from this story?
Don’t judge people’s intentions through the lens of your own fears. Edith was afraid her son would be angry about her will and thought he was kicking her out.
True value is what is appreciated with the heart, not what costs money. To Gerard, the pictures, the watch, and the old cabin were far more valuable than millions of dollars.
