My grandpa’s will revealed that he had been pretending to be deaf for months, listening to everything we said about him. His true feelings at the lawyer’s office revealed our family’s greed and love, shocking and changing us.

My grandfather was best. He was my idol since childhood. Grandpa Harold’s laughter and quips could brighten up any room. He always had a mischievous sparkle in his eye and a big heart for his family.

Grandpa’s death left me empty. I missed our long conversations, his excellent guidance, and most of all his humor. I always smiled when Grandpa carried off a family-famous trick.

Grandpa tricked everyone on April Fool’s Day. He claimed to have buried a $100 cash in the house.

After hours of cleaning, we found a message in the cookie jar saying, “Fooled you! The best riches are shared moments.” Our laughter made Grandpa’s eyes sparkle.

I felt sorry in the lawyer’s office. Grandpa died, and the family was hearing his will. Everyone was scared, but I thought they’d get what they wanted. Yes, Grandpa was generous.

The lawyer read Grandpa’s letter after clearing his voice.

Dear family, hello! Many of you will leave this room frustrated because you won’t get what you desired. I’ve been pretending for two months, so only one person will leave smiling. I kept my hearing. I heard all you said about me. Start with my lovely son, John.”

John, you’ve always been a kind son, but I heard you whining about how much I’ve burdened you. You said you couldn’t wait for the ‘old man’ to die to receive my money. John, you’ll be unhappy to learn you won’t get a dime.”

John slumped in his chair, his face turning crimson red.

The attorney said, “Susan, my daughter. Susan, I occasionally heard you on the phone in the next room. Whoever you spoke to, I realized that you had large debts and were waiting for me to die to pay them off with my inheritance. So you get $1. I hope that covers your debts.”

Susan exclaimed, “What? It’s impossible! I never stated that!”

The lawyer calmly glanced at her “Your father authored this, Susan. Let’s proceed.”

Tension rose in the room. Everyone shuffled in their seats, unsure of what would happen.

Susan cried. Her screaming and wailing began. The lawyer then addressed my cousin Emily.

Emily, you were always lovely to me but wanted me dead behind my back. You bet on my longevity and laughed at getting my money. Emily, you’ll get nothing.”

Emily gasped. She looked around incredulous. Tension and contradictory emotions filled the room. Some were relieved, others devastated. The biggest shock was still to come.

“And finally, to my beloved granddaughter, Jane,” the lawyer said. I choked on my breath. “Jane, you spent hours telling me about your life and listening to mine. You never made me feel heavy.

You showed love and compassion in every chat. I’m leaving you everything, including my properties and company. My deputy, Peter, will help you run the company, but after college, you’ll be on your own.”

Shocked. My grandfather’s business was wealthy. He provided me wisdom and joy, not money, so I always loved him. I cried as the lawyer continued, “Jane, I trust you to operate the company with the same integrity and affection you showed me. Impress me.”

After the lawyer read, I laughed through tears. My grandpa planned the ultimate test to show everyone’s true colors. His brilliant trick taught us about love, greed, and life’s meaning.

“Jane,” Peter whispered, “God knows Grandpa was plotting this. But I’ll try to help with the firm.”

“Thanks, Peter,” I said, contemplating everything. “I guess we have a lot to talk about.”

John was furious. This is unfair!” I was his son! I deserved more!”

With tears, Susan said, “We all did. This is cruel.”

Emily said up after being quiet. This may be what we needed. Wake-up call. Grandpa always changed our perspectives.”

“I guess we’re done,” John remarked, despondent. All done.”

Lawyer packed his papers. Please contact my office with questions. This was Harold’s last wish.”

The family dispersed slowly. Some were grumbling, others were thinking. I stayed with Emily, who seemed relieved and sad.

“Jane,” Emily whispered, “Harold sensed your potential. He knew you could cope.”

“I hope so,” I said. “I just want to make him proud.”

She embraced me. Jane, you will. You always did.”

As we left the lawyer’s office, I thought about Grandpa’s last act. It woke the whole family. Some were humiliated, some grateful, but we all learnt that day.

Love and respect are true wealth, not money or stuff. My grandpa’s dying act showed his wisdom and unique style of giving us a lifelong lesson.

Walking outside in the sun calmed me. Grandpa left more than money—he left love and lessons. I had a great responsibility, but Grandpa’s memory prepared me for it.

My Grandpa with Alzheimer’s Only Remembered One Woman—He Proposed to Her Before Our Family
Do you believe in magic even in harsh realities? Visualize an Alzheimer’s patient proposing to his beloved, causing everyone to cry. This touching story of my Grandpa Jim will stay with you.

Grandpa Jim was always kind. He was our family’s heart, told the best stories, and always smiled. Watching him develop Alzheimer’s and forgetfulness has been heartbreaking for us.

It’s painful to witness the man who previously knew everything about us forget our names or where he is. Grandpa Jim was my childhood hero. He was tall and strong with a room-filling chuckle.

Grandpa told the most amazing stories around the backyard campfire every summer. He told us of his youth cross-country travels as the fire burned and the stars twinkled.

“There was this one time,” he remarked, winking, “I hitchhiked to California to view the Pacific Ocean. Best decision ever, outside marrying your grandma.”

Grandpa Jim’s stories always topped family gatherings. He made the past come alive, making us feel like we were there with him through every step.

But those days seem like a lifetime ago. Grandpa is a shell of himself now. This sickness has taken so much from him and us. My mom was talking to Aunt Linda in the kitchen one night.