I turned to Reddit to share an incredible story about my late grandpa, who was one of the most important people in my life. I was just 17 when he passed away, and the memory of getting that heartbreaking news is as vivid as if it happened yesterday. My grandpa wasn’t just family; he was my whole world.
Grandpa played a huge part in raising my sisters and me. He had a huge passion for vintage cars and would often take me to car shows, which I loved. He could only afford to keep one car, a vintage Chevy Bel Air, unlike his friends who had collections. I used to help him maintain it whenever my mom dropped me off at their place. At first, I thought my mom wanted us to stay close, but I later realized it was just convenient for her.
But those weekends with Grandpa were full of memorable moments, like the time I accidentally knocked over the oil can or when Grandpa scratched the Chevy’s red paint. Every moment spent with him was a joy.
The day after Grandpa died was a tough one. I had no intention of going to school. I remember walking into the living room, noticing my sister seemed upset with me, but I didn’t understand why.
“Honey, you have to understand, it’s normal for your sisters to be jealous,” my mom said suddenly. “If you hadn’t stormed off, you would have heard that your grandfather left you the Chevy.”
I was shocked. Grandpa never let anyone else touch that car. But then, my mom said, “Now, don’t look so excited. You’re acting like a vulture. I’ve decided that you won’t inherit it. You can’t drive yet, my love. If you had gone for your test last year like I told you to, I would have let you keep the car. Well, maybe. I’ve decided to sell the car and divide the money between you, your sisters, and your cousins. It’s only fair.”
I was furious. I couldn’t believe she would sell Grandpa’s most cherished possession. I locked myself in my room, overwhelmed by emotions.
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Despite my arguments, the car was sold within a week for $70,000. Seeing it drive away, I could almost hear Grandpa’s sigh of disappointment. Right then, I promised myself I would get that car back, no matter what.
The sale strained the relationship between me, my mom, and my sisters. They each got $4,000, though they had barely spent any time with Grandpa.
Eventually, I got my driver’s license and started saving up from a part-time job. I channeled my love for machinery into a career in engineering and graduated as valedictorian. By 27, I was ready to fulfill the promise I made a decade ago.
I tracked down the buyer, a guy named Michael, who had kept the car in pristine condition as part of his vintage collection. Visiting the car felt surreal—it was as beautiful as ever. After seeing how much I longed for it, Michael agreed to sell it back to me for $80,000. Despite the steep price, the sentimental value was priceless. I drove the Chevy home, feeling overjoyed.
On the way, I found an old envelope in the ashtray. Inside, Grandpa had left a note saying, “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. You’re the only one I consider family. Enjoy the ride, Grandpa.”
Tears filled my eyes. Inside the envelope, there was also a jewel and a message that read, “I had no doubt that you would find the candy.”
Finding the car and Grandpa’s note was a huge moment for me, reuniting me not just with the Chevy but with his memory too.
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