Precious Legacy

                                 By Ron Gold

    I was only seventeen when Grandma Elsie died. She was my last living grandparent and I was her only grandchild. Until the lawyer read her will, I never fully appreciated the depth of the old lady's love. It was a moment I will never forget - a day that made me the richest kid in town.

    Mom, Dad, Aunt Sophie, Uncle Bill and I sat around a small conference table in her lawyer's office. She wanted her daughters and their husbands to share what little wealth she was leaving - the proceeds of her small insurance policy, a few bracelets, some jewelry and her wedding ring. She also left them the deed to her house, her bank account, a few shares of stock in the local Gas and Electric Company, as well as the American flag she was presented with at Grandpa Edwin's military funeral.

    As we rose to leave, the lawyer said, "There are three more things." He reached into his briefcase and took out a small jewelry box , a letter, and a stack of envelopes neatly wrapped in red paper. "Jeffrey, your Grandmother left you her diamond engagement ring, hoping you'll make good use of it soon." Everyone smiled.

   "These are also for you, Jeffrey," he said. "It may be the most precious legacy of all - a letter and this stack of love notes."

    Grandma's letter began, "Dear Jeffrey, I am leaving you one of my most precious treasures - my memories. These memories are the letters your Grandfather Edwin wrote when he was away from me. Please read them. They are both priceless and valuable - a guidebook that will teach you how to love a woman, how to understand people, and how to respect and maintain your integrity.

   "When you read them you will share the longing and passion a good man feels for a good woman. You will also understand the fears and tears of war. And you will realize the differences between right and wrong. You will learn to trust the people you love and keep your distance from those you mistrust. You will learn about mature friendships and how true love can become the core of your life.

   "I have been fortunate, Jeffrey. I loved a wonderful man. And he loved me. While his love is now a memory, it is also a real dream that never ends. Love is like a beautiful photograph you store in an album. You can enjoy its beauty each time you stare at it in wonderment. It stops time. And, it makes you young again - forever! Grandpa Edwin was a soldier, a professional Army officer who served under General Pershing in France during World War I. To understand your grandfather's soul, read his loving letters to me. You'll learn how romantic and beautiful a real man can be. To truly understand Grandpa's character, read the personal not Jack Pershing wrote me when he heard that Edwin was killed in action.

    "Jeffrey, I said this packet of notes was priceless and valuable. I've just shown you how pricelss his love notes are. Please learn from them. Then find the right girl to love and love her ardently. This love will enrich both your lives and make you both happier.

   "As for being valuable, save the envelopes. An appraiser at Sotheby's said the old stamps are worth far more than the rest of my estate. And, the personal hand written note from General Pershing is even more valuable than the stamps. Have a loving, meaningful life. God bless you.

   "I love you, Grandma Elsie."