Jessica, raised in New York with business-minded parents, always took her family for granted. Despite her grandmother Donna’s loving efforts, Jessica was frequently unkind. When Donna moved to New York and offered to accompany Jessica to school, Jessica dismissed her with harsh words, saying she didn’t want to be seen with “a poor old lady.” This pattern of disrespect continued as Jessica grew older.
When Jessica got engaged to Edward, the son of her father’s business partner, she planned a lavish wedding and deliberately excluded Donna from the guest list. Despite pleas from her parents, Jessica was adamant that Donna, who she deemed not up to their standard, should not attend.
Donna, deeply hurt but maintaining her grace, overheard the exclusion and decided to withdraw from the wedding herself. She sent a rusty old chest as a wedding gift, which Jessica barely acknowledged.
On the day after the wedding, Donna visited Jessica’s home with the chest. Jessica, frustrated by her grandmother’s presence, treated her rudely, but Edward welcomed Donna warmly. Jessica accepted the gift and, after Donna left, threw it aside without a second thought.
Weeks later, after Donna’s death, Jessica was more concerned with her wardrobe for the funeral than with mourning. Finally, she decided to open the chest. Inside, she found a diamond pendant, a photo album, and a letter from Donna.
The letter expressed Donna’s deep love and regret for not being able to provide more for Jessica. She apologized for not being able to contribute more financially but wished Jessica happiness and hoped she would not be ashamed of her. The letter included a photo of young Jessica with Donna, highlighting their bond.
Jessica was overcome with guilt and sorrow upon reading the letter and examining the pendant. She realized the depth of Donna’s love and the significance of the gift. At Donna’s grave, Jessica tearfully apologized for her past behavior, expressing regret for never appreciating her grandmother’s love and effort.
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