Holy sh*t! Pleasant surprise?

[Killick]

Back story: I had helped a neighbor of mine a few years ago as she fought cancer. Occasionally checked in on her, took care of her two birds, got her mail, etc. Then, she passed two years ago. I was told I was in her will, thought nothing of it as the estate got tied up with the IRS. Thought that maybe she'd left me some small bequest of books or British videos, since we shared a love of Brit flicks.

Well, today, a certified letter shows up. Read how the estate's finally been cleared up, a detailed explanation of the ins and outs and the sort, all leading to "enclosed is a check representing your share of the estate." Still thinking it was a little something but nothing big.

Turned over the check and nearly **** myself: $34,711.19.

WHAT. THE. ****?!?!?!

I'm so surprised, yet also torn. What I did to help surely wasn't $34,000 worth. Honestly, I feel horrible that I didn't do more for her.

Mixed emotions. Don't know how to process this yet...

 

[Riptide]

You earned it in her eyes, so a job well done.
Enjoy the memories and your good fortune, too.

 

[TheSportsPredictor]

Checking on the health of my neighbors ...

 

[Buck]

So what are you drinking tonight?

 

[HC]

Sometimes the value of our actions goes way beyond the practical things we do for people. Well done.

 

[Starman]

Make a nominal donation to some charity you think she'd like if you really feel guilty, but obviously she thought your help was valuable to her, so I wouldn't worry very much about it. Presuming she was of reasonably sound mind, she made the decision all on her own, so I wouldn't really presume to second-guess.

Maybe hunt down some really good Brit-film DVDs in her honor. Toast her with a really nice bottle of Scotch.

 

[TyWebb]

She wanted you to have the money. Whatever you did for her meant more to her than you thought, a common occurence for "little things" that don't mean much to us but mean the world to someone else. This was her way of telling you just how much it meant.

That said, I would probably also feel torn and unworthy of the money, too. To assuage that feeling, I'd probably take a large chunk and donate to charity in her honor, more specifically cancer research since that was what she died of. Or find some other cause that would represent her well. But if you kept every dime and used it to help yourself out, I don't think any of us could blame you.

 

[MisterCreosote]

Good on ya, Killick. As others have said, the impact of your actions speaks loudly, whether you think so or not.

 

[JakeandElwood]

She wanted this for you. I'm guessing your actions were far more meaningful to her than you feel they were. Also, were other people doing the same thing? It could be that some of her friends and/or family didn't step up to the plate the way she was expecting them to, and maybe you exceeded expectations.

Also, while this may not seem like a big deal to you, it sounds like you were very helpful and did right by her. Good for you.

 

[Chef2]

Good on you, Killick.

 

[User 149557]

Do something with it worthy of her generosity.

It's always amazing to learn that the little old lady who lived next to you in that quaint little three-bedroom ranch home seemingly on a tight budget, saved Cool Whip containers by the dozens in her garage and drove a 1984 Buick with 40,000 miles on it was a multi-millionaire. I've learned that a couple of times in my life.

 

[jr/shotglass]

I see it as karma after selflessly caring for a dying neighbor. You enjoy the reward to the max, Killick. She wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

 

[Vombatus]

You are a better man than I am Killick!

I'd be halfway to Vegas... no, no, I wouldn't.

Think I'd invest it all in gold.

 

[Bronco77]

You paid it forward, made a difference in her life, and wound up being paid back for your selflessness. Bravo all around!

 

[Killick]

Thanks, all. I should add that it's welcome dosh, since I'm not working much now that I'm a stay-at-home caretaker for my mom. Was hoping to freelance while I took care of her, but it's been WAY more time-intensive than I thought going in. (Also wasn't counting on having to wipe another person's backside EVER, but that's a story for another day.) So... yeah, the windfall's nice. Still, i don't feel worthy.

[still processing]

 

[Moderator1]

Hey Killick, have I mentioned lately that you've been perhaps my favorite poster for a long, long time? Like, I almost love you man.


But seriously, enjoy. You did good by somebody else and it meant something to her.

The person who takes care of me will end up with about a buck three eighty

 

[Killick]

Hey Killick, have I mentioned lately that you've been perhaps my favorite poster for a long, long time? Like, I almost love you man.


But seriously, enjoy. You did good by somebody else and it meant something to her.

The person who takes care of me will end up with about a buck three eighty

Gee, maybe I can pony up and go ad-free now?

 

[Starman]

Thanks, all. I should add that it's welcome dosh, since I'm not working much now that I'm a stay-at-home caretaker for my mom. Was hoping to freelance while I took care of her, but it's been WAY more time-intensive than I thought going in. (Also wasn't counting on having to wipe another person's backside EVER, but that's a story for another day.) So... yeah, the windfall's nice. Still, i don't feel worthy.
[still processing]

Ding ding -- put the money to use in the care of your mom; defray expenses or get something nice for her. Or yourself!

I'd bet your neighbor-benefactor would be totally on board and not surprised in the least. What goes around comes around, etc etc.

 

[poindexter]

This is an awesome story. Deposit the check today, and ENJOY IT. You do deserve it. Don't give it another second's thought.

 

[Riptide]

Give the $711 to charity and keep the rest. That's still a worthy donation.
She wanted you to have it, and you need it, and she probably set some aside for charity, too.