I took my 80 year-old Mom to the doctor today, and to lunch.
And I just hung the phone up from talking to one of her two (out of 11) remaining siblings, her sister, who has inoperable, incurable liver cancer. My aunt lives several states away from me, but we have always been close, and since she was diagnosed she has called me, or me her, daily.
Their Mom (my Granny McCoy) had 11 kids, about 50 grandkids, and many greats and great greats.
None of them have, ever had any money. When my Dad died he had no money. But he left me an inheritance far more valuable than gold, the ability to enjoy the simple pleasures in life.
Like fishing. Watching the sun rise on a lake, with birds feeding in the shallows, while a lone deer drinks from the shoreline.
As I looked at my little 90 pound, wiry, grey-haired Mom from across the table today at lunch (her, of course yakking like crazy and reminding me of my manners) I counted my blessings.
I thank God for every minute I have left with her, faults and all, including all of the many mistakes and shortcomings she had throughout our journey together. There were many, but I don't remember them now, just want to enjoy and cherish every moment we have left.
I can't imagine placing a value on what parents are going to leave you. I do have my Dad's fishing float tube hanging on my cabin wall, and all the memories of him whistling while floating around in it (whistling, he always whistled, even though he had little money), and all the great times, a valuable lessons he taught me on those fishing trips.
I guess I am rich, after all.
My mom has been trying to figure out things to give us when she passes away. She knows me well. She's already given me a picture of my parents at a dance when they were first married.
My mom also won a grandfather clock when we were little, and I would like it because it brings back really happy memories. There's a few other things that I would like that were my grandmothers.
I wouldn't mind keeping my parents home because they've had it the whole time I've been alive, but I'm sure that won't be feasible. That's going to be hard to give up, and I would much rather keep it than the money we'll get from selling it.
Simple pleasures are wonderful! It's a wonderful inheritance.