When a 96-year-old woman had to go into a care facility and was no longer able to live in her cottage, she made the decision to leave it to a homeless person who was always close by. He moved in cheerfully since he was eager to put a roof over his head. But what he discovered inside was incredible!
Man Was Shocked After Seeing What Was Inside The House That Was Given To Him
Meet Steven
Steven waited anxiously in front of the house. He found it difficult to accept that he now owned this home. Despite his several visits, this still seemed unfamiliar to him. However, he would quickly discover that the house was not his only surprise.
Meet Steven
Finding Something Odd
With the help of the key the attorney handed him, he entered. Looking around, everything seemed incredibly familiar once more. It was just how he remembered it. But Steven immediately noticed something odd that was out of place.
Finding Something Odd
Something Unexpected
On the table was a large luggage. It has his name on it. Slowly opening the luggage with trembling hands, his jaw fell to the floor. “I can’t believe she has done this…” But some background information is necessary to fully comprehend Steven’s circumstances and what he discovered.
Something Unexpected
Enter Elly
In a remote area of Alaska, 96-year-old Elly Barnes lived. She was raised close by and never felt the urge to move away. Peter, her husband of 72 years, and the area were both very dear to her. Elly appreciated the peacefulness of the countryside, and when the weather permitted, she enjoyed relaxing with Peter on the porch. But shortly, her uncomplicated life was about to be upended.
Enter Elly
An Unfortunate Event
After a brief struggle in the hospital, Peter passed away one day. Elly was in awe. Despite their advanced age, she had never given the possibility of Peter dying first any serious thought. He had always been the more healthy of the two. Without him, what was she going to do?
An Unfortunate Event
Going Their Separate Ways
Their kids hadn’t exactly fallen in love with Alaska the way Elly and Peter had. They had made the decision to relocate far away and southward to the American continent. If Elly chose to relocate to Dallas or Boston, either of her daughters would accept her. However, Elly detested the idea of living in a metropolis. She also had Alaskan roots, which nobody else seemed to grasp.
Going Their Separate Ways
First Love
When Elly started school, she ran across Peter, who had recently emigrated to Alaska with his family. The only activities available to two children at the time were playing in their yards or riding bicycles side by side. Simply put, their town wasn’t that big. Elly had aspirations of marrying Peter and beginning a dazzling life with him as they grew. Not precisely what I had planned happened.
First Love
Difficult Times
After getting married, Elly and Peter had trouble securing consistent employment. All they could afford was a little rancher with a single bedroom and a cramped living space rather than Elly’s ideal house. Although it wasn’t glamorous, they made an effort to make it work by frequently saving for repairs. The house was uncooperative.
Difficult Times
She Was Being Stubborn
When Peter died, it appeared as though the house had undergone a million repairs. By that time, Elly understood that it would have been destroyed by any sane person, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. She wanted assistance ensuring that the house could withstand another winter of snow since winter was almost approaching. However, who was left to assist her?
She Was Being Stubborn
A Helpful Neighbor
Fortunately, Elly was able to contact a nearby neighbor for assistance who lived a 10-minute walk away. They promised to see what they could do to keep the house in order because they had been friendly for years. But between the leaking roof and the broken windows, there was a lot of work to be done. Elly’s neighbors also experienced problems.
A Helpful Neighbor
Another Chance
Many of the physical labor tasks that Elly needed to fix the house could no longer be performed by her neighbors because they were getting older. They also had to worry for their son Steven, who had recently come in with them after spending years on the streets. Steven had not quite felt at home in Elly’s cherished town.
Another Chance
Looking For Work
Steven had been looking for work but had been unsuccessful. In such a remote location, there weren’t many job prospects, and he could never make enough money to live alone. He detested having to rely on his parents for help, but without even a car, he was unable to travel further in pursuit of employment. When his luck finally turned around, he was starting to lose hope.
Looking For Work
Spare Time
Steven’s parents couldn’t do a lot of the work at Elly’s house, but he was healthy and strong enough to complete it. He began pitching in to assist Elly in any way he could while he had free time. Elly attempted to pay him, but Steven consistently declined. He believed he had a debt to her. After all, they had encountered each other in a difficult situation.
Spare Time
They Welcomed Him
Everyone in the little town knew Steven had been homeless when he first arrived back. They dismissed him and made assumptions about him. He was totally alone. But Elly and Peter had accepted him right away and had occasionally invited him to dinner, which had helped him recover from his slump. Anyway he could, he tried to give back for her kindness. He was unaware that his decision to lend a hand would forever alter his life.
They Welcomed Him
A Kind Gesture
Elly continued to get treatment from Steven in any manner he could. He cleaned the house, performed the repairs, and even went grocery shopping for her. Their relationship grew even closer. She persisted in making Steven dinner and a new scarf for the winter because he wouldn’t accept any money. However, not everyone was happy.
A Kind Gesture
Confronting Steven
It upset Steven’s parents to learn that their son was providing free labor to Elly. He stayed at her place for so long that he ran out of time to fill out employment applications. Since they had been supporting him for years, their finances were already very tight due to Steven’s irregular income. There would have to be a sacrifice…
Confronting Steven
Given An Ultimatum
Finally, Steven’s parents forced him to make a decision between staying at home and aiding Elly. If he wasn’t going to try to support himself, they couldn’t keep helping him. Steven was shocked that his parents weren’t more forgiving with Elly given that she had always been so polite to everyone, but he also understood. It was now time to choose.
Given An Ultimatum
A Difficult Decision
Steven admitted to his parents that he wouldn’t leave Elly behind. He regarded her as his only buddy because they had been friends for months. Steven was instructed to pack up and depart by his parents. Although they didn’t know what else to do, they didn’t want him to be homeless once more. Steven didn’t either.
A Difficult Decision
Elly Was Alone Again
Steven was at a turning point. He was aware that if he left town, one of the larger cities would offer him more options. That would entail letting Elly go. He would no longer be around to assist her with errands, but he could still contact her and catch up. Without him, what would she do?
Elly Was Alone Again
His Decision
Steven came to the conclusion that he needed to go for his own good. His parents were overjoyed and gave him the money he needed to move into a motel for a few weeks while he looked for work. But Steven wasn’t even concerned about what the future in the city might bring as he packed. He was just concerned with saying goodbye to Elly.
His Decision
Saying Goodbye
Steven proceeded to tell Elly the bad news. The news left her in shock. They had spent so much time together that they had become close. But Steven believed he had no choice because his parents were in such a financial bind. He had to support himself somehow. He merely lamented the fact that Elly wouldn’t be as integral to it going forward. Or so he thought.
Saying Goodbye
Trying To Adapt
Elly made an effort to function without Steven, but she had grown to depend on him. She was too old to take care of herself in many ways. Her kids kept telling her to relocate south and get out of the house. But she had brought up her entire family there. The final piece of Peter she had was his house. Despite the fact that Elly couldn’t bear to part with it, she was starting to think that she wouldn’t have a choice.
Trying To Adapt
Trying To Live Alone
Elly was resolved to at least attempt to live alone. She attempted some repairs herself, went to the grocery store, and kept the house tidy. She persisted with this for around three weeks before something transpired that made it abundantly plain to her that this was simply not an option.
Trying To Live Alone
Fractured Hip
Elly tripped over a towel that she dropped on the floor as she was tidying up in the kitchen. Elly crashed to the ground and broke her hip as a result. While Elly first attempted to conceal this, the doctor promptly told her family, and this was the last straw for them. They desired for Elly to relocate to a retirement community nearby.
Fractured Hip
Left With No Choice
Elly had consistently voiced strong opposition to this, but at this time, the situation’s reality had taken hold. Elly was only causing her family worry and understood what she was trying to accomplish was silly and risky. It was time for her to leave the house she had lived in for 60 years.
Left With No Choice
The House
There was only one question remaining now that Elly was aware that she would be relocating. How did she intend to use the house? Elly was aware that while she could try to sell the house, it would probably not net her much money. In addition, there was only one person who truly deserved it. Steven!
The House
Getting A Lawyer
Elly made the decision to hire a lawyer to ensure that the home transfer would proceed smoothly. Elly also wanted the attorney to inform Steven of everything since she knew she would be unable to speak to him if she initiated the contact. And she required him to hear everything out loud and clear…
Getting A Lawyer
Steven Gets The House
Even though Elly wasn’t sure if Steven wanted her former house, she didn’t think it really mattered. But she was certain that he desired the things she had left for him. You see, Elly simply used the house as a cover to conceal her true intentions for Steven. But that had to be unexpected…
Steven Gets The House
A Surprise
Steven was shocked and a little confused about what to do when he received the call from the attorney. He never imagined Elly would give him her beloved home, much less abandon it. What exactly did he accomplish to earn this? Or was there another reason for this?
A Surprise
He Was Having Doubts
Elly almost went overboard with her generosity. Steven had a nagging suspicion that his parents might be responsible. Maybe they wanted him to move back closer to them? The more he considered it, the less he truly desired to return to live in rural Alaska.
He Was Having Doubts
Thinking Of Selling The House
However, the chance to own a house was too enticing to pass up, regardless of its condition. Even with the involvement of his parents, Elly’s offer was incredibly kind. Additionally, if he wanted to, he could always sell it for cash on the spot.
Thinking Of Selling The House
Difficulty Living In The City
Since returning to the big city, Steven’s life has not been easy. The major reason he returned back to the large city was that he had been living on the streets and had found it difficult to find any kind of opportunity, other than some odd jobs.
Difficulty Living In The City
It Felt Like Home
Despite this unfortunate circumstance, Steven felt much more at home in the large metropolis and had already made up his mind to stay. And he might be able to start over here with the cash he would receive from selling the house in his pocket. That was his initial strategy, at least.
It Felt Like Home
A Condition Was Set
He returned the call and informed the attorney that he had accepted the offer and was interested in the house. Additionally, he enquired as to whether he would be able to assist him in selling it. The attorney then revealed that the only stipulation was that he would make at least one trip to the house.
A Condition Was Set
No Explanation Was Given
Steven was a little surprised and perplexed by this peculiar condition. He demanded an explanation, but the attorney was at a loss for words. Or perhaps he simply didn’t want to. Steven chose to accept the offer but hesitantly. What harm may a single visit cause?
No Explanation Was Given
He Had Questions
The next step for Steven was to phone Elly. Naturally, he wanted to express his gratitude to her for giving him the house and inquire about her well-being. Why did she leave the house, exactly? But he also hoped she could explain the odd condition to him.
He Had Questions
He Couldn’t Reach Her
But Steven was unable to reach Elly. Regardless of how frequently he tried. Voicemail was left on the phone indefinitely. Steven’s anxiety suddenly arose. Could she have experienced something? Did he acquire the residence for that reason? Possibly an inheritance
He Couldn’t Reach Her
What Was Happening?
The only reason the lawyer had given him was why she wanted to give him the house; he had not received any explanation as to why Elly had vacated it. He didn’t think to inquire at the moment and simply took it at face value. Could the fact that he had been to the house have a role in this?
What Was Happening?
His Parents’ Involvement?
At first, he speculated that Elly might have needed to appear in order to repair the relationship between him and his parents. Steven, who was still undecided, made the decision to go to the house the following day. His transportation to the house had been covered by the lawyer.
His Parents’ Involvement?
Going Straight To Elly’s House
Steven immediately visits Elly’s home after getting to the town. He avoids even approaching his parents’ home since he doesn’t want them to find out he is there. He just hopes they aren’t at Elly’s house waiting for him. But when he got there, nobody was there.
Going Straight To Elly’s House
A Huge Suitcase
He is taken aback by the two new locks on the door when he uses the keys he obtained from the attorney to enter the residence. At first glance, it appears like the location remains unchanged. But then he notices that the dining room table has a sizable suitcase on it.
A Huge Suitcase
It Was Filled With Envelopes
He approaches the suitcase uncertain if it was left for him but notices right away that his name was scribbled on it. Steven recognized the handwriting and knew that Elly had done this. He instantly realized the suitcase was filled with envelopes when he opened it.
It Was Filled With Envelopes
The Things Steven Had Done
Steven randomly selected one of the envelopes. “For getting groceries,” it stated. Then she chose a couple more. “For fixing the gutter,” “For cleaning the kitchen,” and “For walking her.” All of these things were things Steven had done throughout the years for Elly and Peter.
The Things Steven Had Done
Full Of Money
But now comes the finest part. Each packet contained some cash! Bills of 10 pounds, 20 pounds, and even 50 pounds at one time! Steven opened them all, calculated the money, and came to the conclusion that the total was around $15,000!
Full Of Money
He Called Elly
Steven chose to make another attempt at calling Elly while still somewhat in shock. She did answer the phone this time, much to his astonishment.
He Called Elly
Appreciation
Elly argued that despite earning everything over the previous two years, he had never acknowledged it. So, in order to thank Steven for all of his generosity and assistance, she did this.
Appreciation
He Was In Disbelief
This absolutely brought Steven to tears. His life would be forever altered by this money. He was also incredibly relieved that Elly was still alive. Steven would eventually move to Anchorage and rent an apartment there with the money.
He Was In Disbelief
His Life Was Turned Around
Now that he had a reasonably stable foundation, Steven was able to radically change his life. He quite quickly got a job and started moving through the ranks. Soon after, he also met his current partner, and the two are currently living together and preparing to establish a family.
His Life Was Turned Around
He Still Owns The House
With time, his relationship with his parents also grew stronger, and he now visits them almost monthly. And every time he is in town, he passes by Elly’s house to do any necessary repairs. He continues to be the owner of the home and rents it to a local couple who are raising a family there.
He Still Owns The House
Seeing Elly Once More
Before Elly passed away, Steven would see her one more time. About six months after she had given him the house and the money, he went to see her in the nursing home. He had to thank her in person at least once even though he might have called her a million times. Thank the person who made a permanent change in his life.
Seeing Elly Once More
A Final Request
Steven arrived at the nursing home early in the day; he was told this was the time that Elly was usually most active. He entered the large sliding doors to the building and was speedily directed to room 202, Elly’s room.
A Final Request
Anxiety
He felt anxious seeing her in such a condition, but he knew that he owed everything good in his life to her. He was sad that she was going to pass, but wanted to see her a final time. He arrived at Elly’s room.
Anxiety
No Smoking?
Steven was surprised to see a ‘no smoking sign’ on the doors of all the rooms. He assumed it would be obvious that you shouldn’t smoke inside a nursing home. Well, there’s no smoke without fire, if you pardon the pun. A sign only arises after something happens.. so he could only guess that someone was stupid enough to come in smoking once. Nevertheless, he refocused on the matter at hand. A final goodbye to Elly (and her final wish).
No Smoking
Steven Saw Elly
“Steven, my dear”, Elly whispered. Steven was surprised at her condition. He knew she was unwell, and that this was likely the final time he would see her, but it was still tough to see the strong woman he once knew deteriorate as she had. “Hi there Elly, how are you?”, Steven asked.
Steven Saw Elly
A Favor
She replied telling him she had been better. “Steven, I need to ask something of you. This is the last thing I’ll ever ask from you”. Steven listened closer, intrigued.
A Favor
Nerves
Steven suddenly began to felt nervous, under pressure even. What if she asked him to do something he really didn’t want to do? He would feel obliged to do it. This was a woman who had done so much for him, on her death bed. He really couldn’t say no to any request. He was worried, but listened carefully as she began to speak.
Nerves
A Big Ask
“Steven.. I have a son. A son that nobody knows about”. “He lives in New York City with his family… he was adopted”. “I need you to give him this letter, that is all”. Steven was taken aback. He had become very close with Elly’s family and was shocked that he didn’t know this. He had follow up questions for her however.
A Big Ask
A Secret Son
“I don’t get it Elly.. you and Peter were married for 72 years! From age 24! How can you have a secret son?”, Steven asked. “I met a foreign soldier back during the war, we were together only once.. but it was enough”. “So what happened to him?”, Steven asked.
A Secret Son
Adoption
Back then, not only was it difficult being a young single mother, but there were judgements over unmarried mothers. Not wanting to bring shame to her family, Elly hid the pregnancy and only two days after the birth, dropped him off at a local orphanage.
Adoption
Guilt
At the time it seemed like the right decision, but she’d always felt guilt. She had even tried looking him up in recent years, to which she discovered some info about him.
Guilt
Henry
It turns out that Elly’s son was adopted by a young family back in New York City, he now goes by the name Henry Geller. Elly explained how the adoption process happened so quickly, so she never got a chance to give her son a name. A tear could be seen in the corner of her eye. “I need you to go find Henry and simply give him this letter, it explains everything”. Steven nodded, understanding the task at hand.
Henry
A Sad Goodbye, Before The Journey
It was time for Steven to leave, and he teared up knowing that this would be the last time he would ever see Elly. They shared a warm embrace, and Steven left, letter-in-hand. He knew he must go straight with the task at hand, as time was of the essence. He went straight on his phone and bought the first flight available to New York City.
A Sad Goodbye, Before The Journey
Rushing To The Airport
The next flight was in 3 hours. This was just enough time to get there, but he had to leave right now. He called a taxi and told him to go to the airport as quick as possible. Luckily, there was no traffic and they arrived there in a quick 30 minutes. Steven ran into the terminal looking for his check-in counter.
Rushing To The Airport
Thoughts In The Departure Lounge
After passing through security, Steven waited patiently at his gate. As he waited, he pondered the type of reaction he would get from Henry. Would he be happy? Sad? Angry? Who knows. He had no idea what this person was like, but knew he had to give him the letter. It was time to board the plane.
Thoughts In The Departure Lounge
Arrival In New York
The route to New York wasn’t easy. There are little to no direct flight, so Steven had to take a short 40 minute layover in Seattle. The first leg of his journey took 3.5 hours, and the second took an additional 5 hours. Upon arrival at JFK, Steven was tired. He looked at the time and saw that it was 11pm. He knew that he should really wait until the morning to pay Henry a visit. Mindful of this, he entered a cab after leaving the airport and went to a hotel in the city.
Arrival In New York
Meeting Day
Steven woke up bright and early the next day and immediately searched for Henry’s details. Elly didn’t have a contact number or anything, but she had somehow managed to find an address. She had told him that she wasn’t sure if he still lived here, but that at one time he did. Steven though he would try his luck anyway, and set off for an address in Manhattan.
Meeting Day
A Nervous Train Ride
The train journey wasn’t to be so long, but it felt like an eternity. Steven was nervous about how Henry would receive him. He would have hated to come all this way to have a door slammed in his face.. or worse. Still, he tried to have a more optimistic outlook and stepped off the train at the right stop.
A Nervous Train Ride
10 More Minutes
According to Google Maps, Steven had only a 10 minute walk to his destination. Steven walked calmly. He felt nervous for Elly, but at the end of the day, he had fulfilled her wishes. If Henry chose not to entertain him, there was nothing he could do about that. Suddenly, Steven got a phone call, it was Elly’s daughter.
10 More Minutes
A Sad Phone Call
A soft voice spoke to him. “Hi Steven, how are you?”, she said. He didn’t want to let on about his secret task, perhaps Elly didn’t want her girls to know. “I’m fine thanks, what’s up?”, he responded. It turned out that the call was indeed a sad one.
A Sad Phone Call
Elly Had Passed
Elly had passed. Steven was gutted. She would never reunite with her son, but at least he could do this final act and hand him the letter. He hung up the phone and continued with his journey.
Elly Had Passed
Arrival At Henry’s House
According to Maps, Steven had arrived. The house was really nice, a new build. Henry must have done well for himself. Steven estimated that Henry must be well into his 70s at this stage.. he wondered the type of life he was living. Did he have family? What did he do for work? It was time to find out.
Arrival At Henry’s House
Knock Knock
Steven approached the door and knocked three times. He waited a good 60 seconds, but there was still no answer. Steven knocked a further few times. Silence. It seemed as though nobody was home. He debated whether or not to simply post the letter.. but that seemed impersonal with something so precious and important. Also, he was hoping to get an impression of this man. He thought about what to do.
Knock Knock
Posted Letter
In the end, Steven decided that he couldn’t wait around all day. He had to return to Alaska for work, and for his family. Steven crossed his fingers and posted the letter, posting it alongside a note with his own contact details, should Henry have questions and want to get in touch. He turned around and began to walk away when he heard a noise.
Posted Letter
Return To Alaska
Steven headed straight for the airport. The trip hadn’t been exactly as he had expected, but he had done his duty. Elly could rest in peace that her son was going to read her letter. At that moment, Steven got a call. It was an unknown number. He answered, hesitantly.
Return To Alaska