My Grandpa Raised Me Alone – After His Funeral, I Learned His Biggest Secret

I’m from the bank, and I’m calling regarding your late grandfather.”

A bank. Those words I’d hated so much, “we can’t afford that,” came rushing back, but with a terrible new twist: he was too proud to ask for help, and now I would be held responsible for some massive, unsettled debt. The woman’s next words were so unexpected, I almost dropped my phone.

“Your grandfather wasn’t who you think he was.

We need to talk.”

“What do you mean, he wasn’t who I think he was?

Was he in trouble? Did he owe someone money?”

“We can’t discuss the details over the phone.

Can you make it this afternoon?”

“Yes, I’ll be there.”

When I arrived at the bank, Ms.

Reynolds was waiting for me.

She led me into a small, sterile office.

“Thank you for coming in, Lila,” Ms. Reynolds said, folding her hands neatly on the desk. “I know this is a difficult time for you.”

“Just tell me how much he owed,” I blurted out.

“I’ll figure out a payment plan, I promise.”

Ms.

Reynolds blinked.

“He didn’t owe anything, dear.

Quite the contrary. Your grandfather was one of the most dedicated savers I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.”

“I don’t understand.

The story doesn’t end here — it continues on the next page to discover the rest 

We never had money.

We struggled to pay the heating bill.”

She leaned forward, and what she told me next made me realize Grandpa had been lying to me for my whole life.

“Lila, your grandfather came in here 18 years ago and set up a very specific, restricted education trust in your name.

He made deposits into that account every month.”