After a heated disagreement with his grandmother Grace, Mike received only a Bible and a brief note following her passing. Bitter and dissatisfied, he threw it into his closet and never looked back. Years later, anxious to pay his mother’s rising medical bills, he came upon the missed book and discovered an astounding surprise hidden within its pages.
“Unbelievable,” Mike murmured, staring at his mother’s latest bill in disbelief before closing his laptop.
Medical expenses had grown excessive, and even with insurance, they faced exorbitant charges. Their savings were running low, and the hardship reminded him of Grace. He’d often disliked her decision to leave all she owned, including her enormous house, to her church after they’d disagreed about him attending services.
They’d had such a close bond, particularly after his dad’s passing, so it felt like a blow when she left him only a Bible and a note that read, “Open it when it’s hard.”
Thinking of the note now, he sighed. Maybe he should finally read it, especially given the difficult circumstances. Opening his closet, he found the dusty Bible, brought it back to his desk, and slowly opened the first page, reading the note aloud: “Open it when it’s hard… You silly, old lady. I loved you, and you were so petty.”
But as he flipped the pages, he noticed something wedged inside—two $100 bills. Curious, he kept turning the pages, and with each one, more bills appeared. Surprised and emotional, he finally placed the collection on his bed, realizing there were thousands of dollars hidden within.
Tears filled his eyes. “Oh, Grandma,” he whispered, overcome with regret. “I’m so sorry. Thank you.”
Grace had been a devout churchgoer who had raised him in the faith, but he had fallen away throughout his adolescence. She’d always pushed him to attend with her, something he found oppressive in his teens. Their previous talk had turned sour when she urged he attend church that Sunday, and he declined. Now, reflecting on her hidden message and sacrifice, he felt profound thanks.
Taking the money, he went to see his mother, Kaila, at the hospital and revealed Grace’s hidden present. Kaila laughed, saying, “That’s just like her! Grace had some oddities, but she was clever. I am sad you had to spend it all on my treatment, though.”
“No, Mom,” Mike replied, holding her hand. “This is for you. Grandma wanted it that way.”
When Kaila’s health improved, they started going to church together, not because Mike was a fervent follower like Grace, but to commemorate her memory and express their thanks. Sometimes he’d murmur to her in his mind, begging her to greet whatever higher power was looking over them.
