A man turned to Reddit to offer an extraordinary anecdote about his late grandfather, one of the most significant people in his life.
When his grandfather died, OP was only 17, but he remembered the day he learned the devastating news like it was yesterday. His world disintegrated because his grandfather was someone he trusted and loved wholeheartedly.
What’s more, the grandfather was extensively involved in the upbringing of OP and his sisters.
The elderly man was someone who had passion for vintage cars, so he would often take OP to car shows.
Although the grandpa couldn’t afford to have more than one car, unlike his friends who owned collections of vintage cars, he had only one and he took great care of it. OP helped him take care of the car when his mom would drop him off at his grandparents’ place. Back then, OP was convinced his mom wanted him to maintain a close bond with his grandma and grandpa, but over time, he realized it was just convenient for her that way.
However, weekends spent with grandpa provided cherished memories. From knocking over the oil can to grandpa inadvertently scratching the red paint of the Chevy Bel Air, every moment was enjoyable, and there was always plenty to keep the two entertained.
OP was heartbroken to find that his grandfather had died because the old man had been his best friend since he was a teenager.
Given that it was the day after his grandfather’s death, OP had no intention of attending school. However, when he entered the living room, he spotted his sister giving him a cold shoulder. He didn’t know what was wrong.
“Honey, you have to understand that it’s normal for your sisters to be jealous. “If you hadn’t stormed off, you would have heard that your grandfather left you the Chevy,” his mother informed him.
The OP was in astonishment. His grandfather never allowed anyone to touch his Chevrolet.
“Now, don’t look so excited. You’re acting like a real vulture. I’ve decided that you won’t inherit it,” his mom added. “You can’t drive yet, my love. If you had gone for your test last year like I had told you to, I would have let you keep the car. Well, maybe. My point is, I’ve decided to sell the car and divide the money between you, your sisters, and your cousins. It’s only fair.”
Filled with rage, OP couldn’t comprehend how his mother could sell his grandfather’s dearest item. He spent the remainder of the day trapped inside his room, attempting to deal with the emotional roller coaster.
Despite his passionate pleas over the next week, OP’s mother remained adamant. In her perspective, the car had already been sold. Eventually, a bidder appeared and offered $70,000 for the vehicle. As he saw it being driven away, he couldn’t help but imagine his grandfather sighing with disappointment.
At that moment, OP made a promise to get that car back no matter the cost.
His mother’s actions disturbed their relationship, as well as that of his sisters. They each received $4,000, despite the fact that they had never spent any time with Grandpa. Neither of OP’s sisters ever gave the old man a wrench when he requested one.
OP eventually obtained a driver’s license and began working part-time, earning his own money.
With a sizable fortune, he was able to seek higher study, channeling his interest for machinery into a profession in engineering. OP graduated as valedictorian and secured a position at a well-known engineering firm. At the age of 27, he was finally able to keep the promise he made to himself 10 years ago: get his grandfather’s Chevy back.
He tracked down the man who bought the car that meant so much to OP and offered to buy it, but the man was reluctant. However, he still invited OP to come and check the car, and before long, OP found himself looking at the curves of Grandpa’s favorite car once again.
It felt surreal. The recognizable hue, the flawless detailing — it all appeared untouched, as though freshly manufactured. Michael, the owner, never drove the car, preferring instead to exhibit it among his collection of vintage vehicles. Remarkably, only a privileged few had experienced the interior of the car, aside from the grandpa and OP.
This revelation filled OP with delight. Michael caved after catching his longing stare on the car, handing up the keys for $80,000. Despite the high price, the sentimental importance of regaining the car surpassed any financial worries. Grinning widely, OP got into the driver’s seat and drove home, immersed in happiness. Retrieving his other vehicle could wait; at that point, the Chevy was his main priority.
However, the Chevy was not the only treasure obtained from the sale.
On the way home, OP opened the ashtray, which had previously been filled with papers from the sweets his grandfather had happily ingested. He smiled as he remembered such events, but then he noticed a piece of paper trapped inside the ashtray.
To avoid tears, he removed the plastic, which revealed an old envelope with his name scrawled on it.
The envelope was yellowed with age. It felt thick and bulky, with a message peeking out that read:
Graham,
I hope you’ll enjoy this car as much as I did. I’ve taught you how to look after it, so I expect you to keep her shining.
By now, your sisters and mother are probably all ticked off at you, but that doesn’t matter. You’re the only one I consider family.
You see, your grandmother always had someone on the side. She thought I didn’t know about it, but I just kept my mouth shut. Better to not rock the boat, eh?
Your mom is the product of that relationship. I’ve known this from the start. I don’t have a single legitimate child. But that’s neither here nor there because you have been like a son to me.
That’s why I’m leaving you the Chevy and little to anyone else. They all know about their real granddad. They kept you out of it because we were so close and you’re the youngest. But you deserve to know that I love you no matter what.
Enjoy the ride,
Grandpa.
The tears welled up in OP’s eyes. Despite the surprising finding, he was delighted his grandfather loved him and that the Chevy had been reunited with its original owner. He was so caught up in the moment that he entirely forgot about the envelope.
Eager to know what more was inside, he opened it and discovered a jewel winking at him. He turned the envelope over, surprised to see the words, “I had no doubt that you would find the candy,” scrawled on it.