Who knocks?

It is quite beautiful in the Berkshire Hills of Massachusettes. It is very lovely, especially around autumn time. Many people drive through the Berkshire Hills to see the foliage every year. My hometown is Lee and it was founded in 1777. There is a lot of little towns and antique shops throughout this lovely countryside. I love to travel back home, but not this time under these circumstances. My favorite Aunt had passed away due to her illness. I had spoken with her earlier in the week, and we had made plans for the Easter Holiday season next month. She was such a joyful woman and very kind. She was a sewing and quilting woman and has many blue ribbons from winning at the county fairs. Her donations to her community and to other Countries were her way of helping the world. And she did. I always loved being around her. She had a wealth of knowledge and wisdom that I would absorb in our conversations. Every time I would visit her home, we always had our "tea" time. "Tea and Treats" she always called it. And how I always looked forward to it. I now feel dreadful as I pull into the driveway."Get yourself together girl" I told myself as I wiped a tear from my eye and stepped out of my car. "I'm here Aunt Bev" I said aloud. "I'm here."

I got in the house with the spare key she keeps above the front door. The door creaked as I entered and a whisp of wind blew into the house. I put my things down and closed the door. I can smell the slight fragrance of my Aunts perfume as I make my way through the house. I got this vibraint sensation around me and the air feels a little heavier. This old house has many sounds and with the wind blowing it sure feels odd being here without her.

Knock! Knock! Knock! "Who, who is there?" I managed to get out as I awoke on the couch in the study. I made my way to the door and peeking out the eye hole, I asked again, "Who's there?" "Michael, Michael from Bushey Attorney and Law office" he replied. As I looked through I could see his brown hair and blue eyes, nicely dressed, he has a briefcase in his right hand, and as he stepped back, he said "I am here to deliver a package and" I cut him off short, "My Aunt Bev passed away this recent weekend, and whatever business is well, over" I said. "No, no, I am here to deliver this package to a Mrs. Welcome." "What?" I asked as I opened the door? "Your dear Aunt had been in contact with us in taking care of her final wishes" he stated. "We have had several meetings and all the legal papers are filled out and her wishes are to be discreet." "How did you know.." I trailed off, as he showed me an envelope with my Aunt Beverlys handwriting addressed to me. "We know a lot Wendy. You should sit down and go through this as soon as you feel up to it, ok?" Michael said, with a nice smile. "My card with my number is enclosed in the paperwork. Talk to you soon!" And with that he handed me a small package and walked away. I gave a wave and closed the door behind myself.

I made myself a cup of tea and some toast and decided to go into the study for a bit and relax. As I look around I see all her books neatly in the bookcase. Her achievement awards in frames behind her desk. There are many little knick knacks on and around the desk. There is a memorial wall dedicated to my Uncle Peter who served as a Marine and died from complications from Agent Orange back in 1990. Aunt Beverly never married after Uncle Peter. She lived her life being a widow. She kept herself busy in so many different things. So, now as I sit here, its time to open the envelope. I held the envelope and as I opened it, I must have had this dumbfounded look on my face. What you see at first glance, isn't always what you think you see. I just did a triple look to make sure. Inside the envelope is a cashiers check in the amount of $20.000.00 with my name on it! "Ohh my" I cried out in joy! "This is unbelievable" I said to myself. Shaken with joy, I pulled out the letter and started to read "Dear Wendy, I hope you will get in touch with Michael after you spend time with what is in the package. I am leaving you something for now that will take care of you, and also something for your future. I have left you my lifes work. Take a peek inside. Love Always and Forever, Aunt Beverly." "Just wow" I said to myself. "What could be in the package?" I set my eyes upon it, and took a big breath, "Her life's work?" I unwrapped the box and as I opened the top, I could see this little black notebook. I picked it up and started reading through it. Page by page I turned. I got excited more and more as I turned each page. "I know, I know!" I shouted to the empty house. "Grandmas receipes" Wow! It was from my Grandmother! We always used to laugh as we goofed around and cooked in the kitchen. My grandmother would always tell Aunt Beverly that she was going to publish a receipe book one day. Sadly, grandma Gertrude passed away in 1976. My Aunt Beverly had put the little black notebook aside and then added to it through the years. I never imagined ever seeing this! Grandmas little black notebook! I now know what to do with this little black notebook and the $20.000.00! For the future!