I was the lucky one in my family to go through my father’s belongings. He had a lot of watches and gold rings that he collected over the years.  After I picked up his ashes I flew to Dallas for his service. I brought pictures, watches, and rings for family members to pick from. I let everyone pick what they wanted and one ring remained. The ring was a size 4 pinky gold horseshoe ring.

 He wore it every day that I can remember. I was very happy it was left to me. I have never been a gambler but decided to check out the buffet at a local Horseshoe Casino. All the coffee you can drink and fantastic food for little money.  Next stop after dessert was a quarter machine. It was a progressive slot with a win of 25,000. I knew there was a slim chance of winning but decided to take a chance.

 After about ten dollars, the slot goes crazy!!!! Three red double sevens the highest win.  The amount that I won was the amount that I was supposed to receive from my father’s insurance. The policy was for: 25,000 but; no good because he died to soon. I didn’t care at the time when we got the letter and just went on with my life. I don’t think it was a coincidence that I won the exact amount of his policy. The horseshoe ring was left to me, and that is where the money came from.

 He had a part in it, and gave me back my faith that I lost seven months before. Finding my father alone on the side of his bed devastated me. He was broke, sick, and had no where to turn. He was at the very end of his rope when he passed. I think the stress did him in, and his frail little body couldn’t take it anymore. He died a saint in my eyes. Never wanted to burden anyone and just suffered alone.  The most beautiful soul I have ever met. He taught me compassion, and patience.

 I will never forget one day along the beach when a gang of boys starting beating on this young guy. He was really getting hurt and my dad couldn’t take it anymore. He jumped in and stopped the fight. Some of the members even had knives on them. My father would step in front of a bus for anyone he knew. He didn’t get the respect in last days on this earth. He was alone and abused in a nursing home.

 He was expected to live on 600 dollars a month from the federal government. He was not accepted by my husband so he spent many nights alone in his apt. I pray that he didn’t end his life; and Gabriel just brought him to help in heaven. Nothing in life is a coincidence, and that 25,000, is proof that our loved ones do go on, and with us everyday.

   Written by,~ Chessly Lynn Nesci