I knew my dad’s farm manager left on about a day’s
notice for a better job. I later knew about the
following letter (and disapproved!) but this was my
parents’ way: “Dear Friends: You know I promised
you $10,000.00 in my will. It seems to me that I
should take this amount from out of the will and get it
to you in full, half this year and half next. You can
then use it at your discretion. I will record it as gifts
over two years to save you taxes. Best of wishes
for the future.” Reading this now, as I winnow out
papers, I hope my parents’ generous spirit extended
to myself. I do note the grandkids have inherited it.
2023 Jacqueline Jackson
This article appears in Winter Guide 2023.
