Riley's Gift

The story about Riley’s $20,000 fortune has been told for generations across her lineage. It all started with her being her aunt Leah’s caretaker as she battled stage 4 colon and lung cancer. Riley’s grandmother Lidia was the twin sister of her aunt Leah, and although she was Riley’s great aunt, she was very close to her. Riley would visit her aunt every day and bring her food to eat, run errands for her, and even take her to doctor appointments. Her aunt became so sick that she rarely wanted home cooked meals, but she wanted the convenience and luxury of eating various fast-food items that she craved.

Riley would never question her desires but would always come at her request. Often times, Riley would leave with a gift from Macy’s or JCPenney’s clothing store as her aunt shopped every single day of the week. She would often ask her, “do you like this”, or “would you wear that”? She shopped through the clearance section of those department stores so much that her entire living room was filled with boxes of clothes. Aunt Leah would tell Riley “I’m getting my wardrobe together for the next summer”. Although her aunt knew that she was dying, and her illnesses were getting worse it made her feel good to buy things, so the family let her do as she pleased since she was well competent.

One day Riley took her aunt to the bank to notarize documents of her last will and testament that stated her younger cousin Tina would inherit her home and finances. She would always take her to handle her affairs without hesitation. When her aunt told her, she was leaving Tina to inherit her finances, and home, Riley was happy for her cousin. She was 18, that money could help her as a jumpstart in life. The home would help her navigate independence as it was owned, and the mortgage was paid in full. She was graduating high school and Riley knew that would be a blessing for her. Riley’s aunt put herself into hospice a month later as she wanted to transition from hospice.

Riley would come visit her aunt every day, washing her face, providing water, food, or anything she needed for comfort. Riley was in college to obtain a bachelor’s degree and would often do her schoolwork while in her aunt’s room. Her aunt would often tell her how proud she was of her, and she wanted her to succeed beyond measure. Riley cherished those words and would accept them wholeheartedly as she proceeded through school. Shortly after, her aunt started to decline tremendously within the next couple of weeks. Her aunt later transitioned and went peacefully. Although Riley was sad, she understood that she now had a guardian angel watching over her.

Over the next couple of months things happened to Riley that would test her faith. She had a house fire that caused her to become homeless, she lost her job, and she had to sleep inside of her car as she waited for vacancy for a homeless shelter. She was on the brink of depression, but she believed her circumstances would change as hardships are not permanent. Riley didn’t have anyone to turn to but God. She knew that he would make a way for her and her darkness would soon be filled with light.

One day as Riley checked her mailbox at her old address, she noticed a large envelope from a company she was not familiar with. As she opened the letter it read “We’re writing to inform you that the estate of Leah Taylor was left to beneficiary: Riley Jenkins”. Riley jaws dropped as she fell to the pavement with her eyes full of tears. She had been praying for a breakthrough with her finances and a miracle. Riley was overwhelmed, she was overjoyed, and more importantly confused because she remembered taking her aunt to the notary to notarize her last will and testament documents. Riley wanted answers so she contacted the company to confirm the letter she received.

The company confirmed her name as the beneficiary, and she cried which made the representative she spoke with cry as she thanked her for confirming the information. Her aunts’ home was now her home. Riley was extremely overjoyed, and she had to go feel the presence of her aunt as she embraced the news she had just learned. As Riley entered the home, she noticed something she had never noticed before. There was a photo that was crooked on the wall and as she took the photo off the wall to recenter it she noticed a secret compartment inside of the wall.

After she opened it, she gazed at a small black book that was addressed to her. As she opened it, her eyes got wide and weepy as she read: “Dear Riley, I thank you for helping me throughout my time of need. I changed my beneficiary information a week after you took me to the notary and called the company to confirm my documents. I appreciate your kindness, and compassion during dire times. I love you and will miss you and I want the very best for you. Please use your new home and finances to take care of yourself. Go further than what I did in life and make me proud. Sincerely, Aunt Leah”.

Riley’s gift was her kindness which led to her obtaining the lump sum of money given by her aunt. Riley never asked for money or any gift for the care that she provided to her aunt because she did it out of love and kindness. She would often remind the young children as she indulged in her story that love is the greatest gift of all, and goodness would always follow behind you as long as you allow your heart to lead you. Riley would end her story by saying “always be kind, honest, and compassionate throughout life”.

The End