Dear Granddaughter:
I have elected to give my wealth to you. You may notice I used the word Wealth and not Money. I consider this a very important distinction. Money is used to buy “stuff” and is gone. Wealth can be used to create positive things. It can produce “income” which becomes money. It can be invested for future income. It can be stored for the future. It can be allowed to grow.
You may think that the term wealth means millions of dollars. You will soon see that my wealth is a relatively modest amount, but to me it is far more than money. It represents the money I chose not to spend from the forty years I worked for a living. It represents the money I had put away to make sure that I could live independently with dignity my entire life. It represents money that I could have used in the event your parents or you had a major emergency.
I strongly encourage you to take my wealth and make it your wealth. I would be greatly disappointed if you were to use this for things that are just part of the routine of life. You can certainly provide those things for yourself. I would like this to be special. I would like this to be in the background of your life…not to be counted, not to be consumed, but to be there like a close friend. Having some wealth gives one’s life a feeling of stability and a longer term focus.
My dear Granddaughter, you were very important to me from the day you were born until the day I died. I want you to think of me with your memories and your values. Please let my wealth that I give to you enhance your life and allow you to focus on creating memories and values for all those close to you.