The Hidden Notebook

Tears slid down Samantha’s face as she grabbed another box to pack up her Uncle Evan’s library. Sam’s mom, Irene, was packing up the kitchen. They were donating most of the household goods to a women’s shelter. Sam was happy to help but going through her aunt’s and uncle’s belongings made her miss them both terribly.

Uncle Even was like a father to Sam. He was always there to give Sam encouragement and advice – especially on the most important subject to a teenage girl . . . boys! Uncle Evan, Irene’s older brother, came over every weekend to mow, rake leaves, or make minor repairs around the house after Sam’s parents divorced. Whenever he visited, Aunt Mary often came over as well to help Irene with chores and to prepare dinner. Sam became accustomed to having them around.

Since they had no children of their own, Uncle Evan and Aunt Mary treated Sam like their own daughter. Sam loved visiting them. Aunt Mary was a great cook and was happy to share her culinary secrets with Sam. After dinner they spent the evening telling stories, laughing, and playing cards or board games.

Sam enjoyed drawing and painting. In her free time, she curled up for hours on the couch with a pencil and drawing pad on her lap. Aunt Mary loved Sam’s artwork so much that Sam decided to make special pieces for her aunt’s birthdays and Christmases. She found an old photo of her aunt and uncle and painted a large portrait of them for their 45th anniversary. When they unwrapped Sam’s gift, Aunt Mary’s hands flew to her mouth and tears slid from her faded blue eyes, then she pulled Sam into her arms, hugging her and thanking her for such and beautiful and thoughtful gift. Uncle Evan smiled and gave her a great big bear hug, nearly squeezing the breath out of her. Then he set the portrait in a place of honor on their fireplace mantle. Sam was overjoyed.

The family was devastated when Aunt Mary died about two years ago in a terrible car accident. She had been returning from the grocery store when an SUV ran a red light, broadsiding her car. Her internal injuries were bad, and Aunt Mary died in the hospital that night. Uncle Evan never really got over losing her. Before the accident, he had a spring in his step and a twinkle in his eyes, but when he lost his wife, he aged quickly. After Aunt Mary’s passing, Uncle Evan always said Mary is watching over us and watching out for us. Last week, Uncle Evan died of a heart attack. Now both would be together watching over Sam and her mom.

Sam wiped the tears from her eyes with her sleeve and grabbed more books from the shelf to put in the box. When she reached up for the second batch of books, she noticed a small black notebook hidden on the self behind all the other books. Wondering if there was a reason this book was hidden, Sam inspected it.

The inscription on the inside front page read, “To my dear niece, Samantha, on your graduation day.” This book was for her! She read on.

"I love you so much! Even though Evan and I could never have kids of our own, you are like our own daughter. We’re so proud of you! You’re a big help to your mom, and we enjoy your company when you visit. I’ve always loved your paintings and drawings, and I hope you follow your dreams of becoming an artist.

I know that if you decide to go to art college, it will be expensive. I haven’t told Evan, but I started buying savings bonds for you when you were very young to help you when you graduate. After you painted that beautiful anniversary portrait for us, I talked to a gallery owner about your artwork. He came to the house to look at the pieces you made for us. He was amazed when I told him you were just 16, and he said he’d like to meet you and see more of your work. Maybe there’s a gallery show in your future! Anyway, his business card is in the back of this notebook, along with the savings bonds.

Happy Graduation, sweetheart! Love Aunt Mary & Uncle Evan"

Sam sat in stunned silence, contemplating what she had just read. She flipped through the rest of the pages of the notebook that contained dates, savings bond numbers, and amounts. In the back of the book was an envelope with many savings bonds of varying amounts and a business card of the gallery owner.

“Mom!” Sam shouted. “You need to come here quick!”

“What is it, Sam?” Irene rushed in from the kitchen.

Sam handed the black notebook to her mom without a word. Irene glanced at her daughter’s pale face, then opened the book and began reading. Afterward, she sank to her knees and hugged her daughter as they both sobbed with joy and sadness. To think Mary had been looking out for them all this time and they never knew!

They took the savings bonds to the bank and were astonished to learn they were worth $20,000! Now Samantha would be able follow her dreams and attend art college.

A few weeks later, they took some of Sam’s art pieces to the City View Art Gallery and met the gallery owner. He was happy to meet them and after inspecting Sam’s work, he arranged an exhibition and was sure it would be a huge success.

Samantha’s future was looking bright thanks to Aunt Mary, and now Uncle Evan, watching over them and watching out for them!