The estate lawyer made a line with his pen, “Please sign here and...um you and your wife will also need to initial right here.” He pointed to a check mark.
Jay scribbled his signature and handed the pen to his new bride, Lani. He looked up and said, “That’s it?” Lani read over the paragraph and inscribed her own name with her very best penmanship, and slid the paperwork in the lawyer’s direction.
“That’s it! Congratulations! Here are your keys. After this is all filed with the state, your documents will be mailed to your new address. Good luck.”
The couple grinned at each other and in unison said, “thank you!”
“You’re welcome.”
***
The house was dilapidated-neglected-and in need of some major T.L.C. but Jay and Lani had gotten a great price for it at the auction and knew they’d be able to get it in tip-top shape in no time.
The couple worked hard... and lived off the land. Lani sold eggs and produce at the market and Jay took care of the farm. God blessed them, and their family, and their farm. In return...every time Lani came home from the market she’d take two dollars...she’d open up an old shoebox and place the bills inside. When the box was full, it contained $40,000.00 dollars...that's when she decided to write a note; place it in the box, and tape it shut.
***
Eventually the two grew weary... working a farm took strong, energetic souls. Lani and Jay had grown older. Their hair shimmered in white and their tired bodies weren’t up to patching roofs, broken fences; maintaining the constant repairs! Jay realized that farming in current times wasn’t easy... as in yester- years.
For one old man...and his wonderful wife, life had been rich. They had loved and they had lived. Pleasured by work; earth and till. But, their time was finally spent.
***
The new owner years later:
“The estate lawyer had handed me the keys to the farm, and offered her congratulations. She told me about the old couple...How they had passed away-together-holding hands on the front porch. Warned me it was run-down and would need a lot of work. I always new I could make it. My wife and I...We dreamed about a place like this...seems forever. But, I didn’t know how hard it would be! Back taxes...drought. I tried to make the payments. I finally was at my wits end and went out to the barn to pray.”
How did that old lady know? “I know it’s funny but I think I have a guardian angel.”
How did she know? “I knelt down...looked up...That’s when I saw this box... It was up in the rafters... filled with money...and this note!”
...God, you have given me daily bread,
And a place to lay, my weary head.
I have worked, been blistered, poorly dressed...
Yet lived, and loved; been totally blessed.
So...When my time is over, and I’ve left this earthly place
And Jay and I are welcomed, to see your holy face,
I ask that you deliver...share this earthly sum indeed...
For I know this finders worthy, and this money he doth need!
