Finally, Stacy, the youngest at twenty-six, opened hers. She was still managing her nursing school loans, and tears filled her eyes as she read the message.
“Twenty thousand dollars each,” Ron announced from the head of the table, resting his hand on the back of Judy’s chair. “Your mother and I sold the forty acres down by the creek. We want to help you get settled into homes of your own while we’re still here to see it.”
Everyone stood up to hug one another. The Easter ham began to cool, and Kim’s boys wanted to know what was happening. Their mother was so emotional that she could barely explain it.
Nate and I had one envelope between us.
I slid my thumb beneath the flap and opened it carefully. Inside was a greeting card decorated with a bluebird.
Judy had written a short message: “You two have always been so capable. We never worry about you. Love, Mom and Dad.”
That was all.
