Every year, on my birthday, my grandmother would give me a small plastic sheep with a bell. I never understood why she chose these peculiar gifts, but I appreciated the thought behind them. As a child, I would smile and thank her, but as I grew older, I began to wonder if she had simply gotten into a habit. The sheep sat on my shelf, each one a reminder of a passing year.
When I turned 19, Grandma fell ill, and I didn’t receive my annual sheep that year. A few months later, she passed away, leaving me with a sense of loss and unfinished business. It wasn’t until my 20th birthday that I received the final sheep, this one with a gold bell. As I placed it on my shelf with the others, I felt a mix of emotions: sadness, nostalgia, and curiosity.
My brother Sheldon noticed my tears and approached me with a knowing look. He asked if I had ever examined the sheep closely, and I realized that I hadn’t. When he showed me the underside of one of the sheep, I was surprised to find a message that read “I love you” followed by a number. I checked the other sheep and found the same message with different numbers.
As we arranged the numbers in the order I received the sheep, a pattern emerged. It was a bank account number. I was stunned. Grandma had been saving money for me all these years, and the sheep were more than just gifts – they were a clever way to convey a secret message.
I visited the bank and discovered that Grandma had set up an account in my name, with over $120,000 accumulated over the years. There was also a safety deposit box with a letter from Grandma, explaining her plan and expressing her love for me.
As I read the letter, tears filled my eyes. I realized that Grandma’s gifts were not just random trinkets but a testament to her love and dedication. I felt grateful and at peace, knowing that she had planned this surprise for me.
Later, I visited Grandma’s grave, bringing her favorite flowers and a flask of tea. I sat down beside her gravestone, feeling her presence and savoring the moment. “Thank you, Nana,” I whispered, “You’ve given me more than I ever could have imagined.”
