(NNPA)—Dear Gwendolyn: I came from a wealthy family. My father and mother divorced when I was only 3 years old. My mother raised me and kept me from knowing my grandparents on my father’s side.
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One afternoon my mother had a visitor. I could hear an argument between the elderly lady and my mom. When the lady left, my mother called me into the kitchen. She explained to me that my father was deceased, and the lady who just left was my grandmother—my dad’s mother. It appears my father had become quite wealthy. He had left a huge sum of money to me. My mother said she did not want me to accept the inheritance. She says it was his mom (my grandmother) that ruined their marriage.
Gwendolyn, what do you think I should do? I would love to take the money and start my own business. With the economy the way it is today, the money could be well used.—Harold
Dear Harold: I know you do not want to disrespect your mother, but at the same time I know and understand how much of a blessing your father’s gift could become. I am sorry I cannot make this decision for you Harold. The reason I will not be the deciding factor is the fact you do not know just how much your mother has suffered. Keep in mind, however, that she did not give you away—and she did not harm her precious little boy.
Let me tell you this: Your father could have been in your life. But for whatever reason he was not you will never know. I find it strange your grandmother was not in your life. Many parents divorce but the grandparents on both sides see that the children are loved and provided for.
Do not allow pride to get in the way of your decisions. Pride is good but you cannot spend it at the grocery store. But on the other hand, Harold, some money is tainted and comes to you a penny short and a day late. The lady visitor realizes she is getting old. So ask yourself, “Where were you grandma—when mom needed you?”
(Have a problem? Don’t solve it alone. Write to Gwendolyn Baines at: P.O. Box 10066, Raleigh, N..C 27605-0066 (to receive a reply send a self-addressed stamped envelope) or email her at: gwenbaines@hotmail.com or visit her website at: www.gwenbaines.com.)
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