Stories of Kindness from Around the World

A Big Gift From My Grandma


--by bluqtgyrl, posted Dec 7, 2007

My 16th birthday is in 18 days. I went to have brunch today with my grandma and she handed me an envelope and wished me a "happy early birthday".

I didn't open the envelope until I got home and discovered a hundred dollar bill in it!

I was in complete shock. Suddenly, feeling a wave of awe, I started tearing. As a retiree with no income and little retirement funds, my grandma barely has enough to pay her own rent and feed herself.   I wondered why she would do this; I would've never asked for anything for my birthday but for her love. My mom tells me that because she gave me the gift because she loves me and wanted me to buy something for myself to remember my 16th birthday.

Although I'm supposed to buy something for myself, I plan to save the one hundred dollar bill until I feel the time is right to use it.  Whether to save a polar bear or feed a homeless family, the $100 will not go to waste.

All my life, my grandma has cared for me and been there for me. Now, I will pass on everything she has given/taught me.

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Readers Comments

katlampi wrote: My grandmother did something similar for my graduation, and I felt the same as you did. She is on a fixed income as well. Mine is still in my savings account, and I haven't touched it, although I know there will be charitable plans for it one of these days. I'm thinking of using it on an "adopt a family" Christmas program.
jennieG wrote: Wah, this story makes me miss my grandmother (my popo) so very much. It reminds me of the time when my popo, just out of the blue, gave me the gold bracelet that she was wearing. I refused but she insisted and said that an old woman like her (85) has no need of such jewellery and that it was her gift to me while she was still alive. She passed away 6 months later. I have not been able to go back to the old country to pay my respects and I miss her terribly.
suvi57 wrote: One is always very fortunate to get such pure love from ones grandparents.
tenderheart wrote: awwww. that is adorable. makes me miss more my nana. I am happy that you want to make this gift special. :0 many hugs for u.
AURELIA wrote: You are wise beyond your years. Most teenagers would be thinking of going to the mall to spend! You, on the other hand, want to share it in a special way. THank you for being so unselfish. God will repay you in ways unknown. :) ~Aurelia

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