As soon as my grandfather’s funeral was over, my mother pulled me aside from the guests and said, “Son, you did such a good job taking care of Grandpa.”

“I heard he left you his house. WELL, YOU NEED TO SIGN IT OVER TO YOUR SISTER. She has little kids, and you’re a young bachelor—you’ll buy yourself a new one someday.”

My jaw dropped at her words. But instead I said, “Mom.”

I don’t even know why I said just “Mom.” I guess I was in shock. Grandpa’s house meant more to me than just walls and a roof. I spent every summer there since I was a kid. He taught me how to fix things, how to cook his favorite stew, and how to sit on the porch in silence, appreciating the world.

I tried to gather my thoughts. “Mom, Grandpa left it to me because he wanted me to have it. He told me this was his wish.”