JANE

To explain why I stand here in this fabulous resort, with so many of my friends and family celebrating my new life with me, I will have to bring you further back in time. It will help you understand my overwhelming yet delighted feelings of confusion and appreciation that have led me to this point. I am standing here still shocked at life's karma.

A few months ago, after many years of helping my elderly neighbor tend her yard and gardens and be her confidant, Jane passed away. Jane was very lonely and fearful when I moved in, next to her, the type of woman that children often thought was evil and mean. Her yard was overgrown, and she was always yelling out of the window. I went over and asked her if I could help clean her yard. At first, she was not about to let someone walk around her yard, afraid they could sue her. That was pretty much what she told me in response to my initial offer. I persisted patiently and nicely until she finally agreed to let me help. At first, she found it hard to understand why anyone would do something for nothing.

Soon I had my children and even some neighborhood kids all working on it. Even our husbands joined in, helping with some of the necessary maintenance jobs around the house. Before long, she was bringing us snacks and lemonade. She even called the newspaper to come to take our pictures, for an article she suggested they write about her good neighbors. Everyone began to love Jane.

I eventually discovered her earlier reactions had been due to being scared after her husband unexpectedly passed away, and she was left alone in that big old house. We did things like getting her some nice outdoor furniture and spent lots of time just having relaxing, enjoyable conversations outside with her.

Her passing was a sorrowful time for many of her neighbors that got to meet the real Jane. She had no living relatives, which of course, she had told me in our talks. Many of us attended her wake and funeral. It made me stop and realize that if she had not decided to let me help her, maybe no one would have been at her passing. I am glad she did not end up letting her fear overtake her permanently.

The executor notified several of us, after probate, that we were in her will. A little confused, at first, but then we realized she had no relatives left and we all had become her closest friends, although we never expected anything.

We knew she had many beautiful things. She would show them to us when she would invite us in for coffee and delicious homemade dessert. She would explain her husband’s little romantic ways saying he was in the habit of giving unexpected and thoughtful gifts to her or about when she bought them for herself on trips. We were a bit surprised, but also happy, when she mentioned that she planned to give us something to remember her by.

A few months after her death, I received a call informing me that Jane had left me several of her favorite memories. I was curious to see what Jane, who seemed to have lived a fascinating and exciting life in her younger days, left for me to remember her by. After all, her stories were always so full of thrilling adventures, and I did look forward to hearing about them. We all did, even the children.

The registered package arrived a week later, and I opened it up with excitement! The very first item I pulled out was a blue-hued, beautifully faceted stone. I remembered the story of how her husband had given her a blue diamond called The Heart of Eternity, yet, until this minute, I had not seen it. Of course, I also had no clue of its value other than its beauty. Next was a glamorous mirror. It had an arch/crowned top, and I would later find out it was made by Zentique, valued at about $3,000. I was already overwhelmed by her thoughtfulness and kindness, as well as in awe of the beauty of these items, now my things, that she had given me. The third was unique. It was one of her favorites, a gorgeous music box. It was fantastic, an exquisitely handcrafted motorized musical carousel, over 2 feet tall. Like the best carousels in the world, even the individually carved horses moved up and down with the music, incredible! The next item was a small purse with a cashier’s check made out to me for several hundred thousand dollars. My mouth dropped. I was so incredibly thankful. I was amazed;why had she not hired someone to work around her home, with this kind of money? She had such a lovely home, but the house had needed many repairs, so who would have guessed she had money. I soon went back to unpacking my box. Next to be carefully removed from this unbelievable box of wonderous gifts was a Tiffany lamp. 'Pond Lily' was on the label sticker, so iconic with its beautiful leaded glass colors and patinated bronze. I felt sheer delight to now own this, and again my mind wandered to Jane. She possessed all these breathtaking things, yet she was so humble and unassuming. What was I missing? Who was she? My next gift was a classic Italian briefcase made of the finest brown leather. I took it out and placed it on my coffee table. Sitting down, I opened it to find the main portion of the case was empty. As I unzipped the front pocket, I found a medium-sized Moleskine little black book in excellent shape. When I opened it up, I was amazed that it appeared to have been written by her husband in beautiful penmanship. He must have put it in the briefcase at some point before he died in 2012.

Jane’s life was extraordinary. Her husband told her story, within the pages, as if he hoped it would one day be published. I read the pages into the night, fascinated about who Jane was. As the morning sun appeared through my blinds, I realized this astounding story must be shared. So, I traveled to New York and met with a Publisher. The publisher offered me $20,000 for the book's rights. I was thrilled that others would know about my incredible neighbor’s life.

With all the money, I bought a lovely seaside home. I even took a vacation with my family and friends to enjoy the new life that Jane’s amazing $700,000 bequest has given me. I still think about the circumstance that brought me to where I am now and how her generous gifts revealed Jane's life's mystery to me. Jane has now allowed me to have an amazing story myself. What a wonderful person she truly was.