Every once in a while the universe surprises you, don’t it? Yip. I received a large manila envelope in the mail a couple of months ago, and – opening it – started laughing at what I saw inside, which was a letter informing me that I had inherited a chunk of money from someone named Mary Mueller. From Georgia? Nope. SCAM.
I almost tossed it; I didn’t have my reading glasses on me; the weather was not great, the roads ditto, can I get home now, please – but. But, I was curious so on my way to the recycle bin for all paper garbage at our local P.O., I flipped through it and – what the actual fuck – my Aunt’s name is in here as another legatee?!! Aunt Betty? Ancient Aunt Betty, along with her actual address and phone number?!?!
And then, turning more pages, I found my cousins’ names, my many cousins, and – my name, my siblings’ names and addresses. Huh? Is this thing actually legit?!! Oddly, the last name – Mueller – was from the other side of the family, not my dad’s, and the woman who died and left me a chunk of totally unexpected cash (me and all of my relatives), was my mother’s second cousin, my second cousin once removed. She died in 2020, more curiously, and all the attorney’s wanted was a signed notarized signature – mine – on a letter acknowledging and accepting my inheritance.
Hilarious. Delightful. I am giving it away, because why not? Let’s share the fun and the delight, continue spreading some joy and ease in what for too many are dark, anxious times (you know what I mean, and to whom – and whose actions – I refer). Money, after all, is like manure. It should be spread around if’n you want it to do more good. Thornton Wilder said that. Thanks, Thornton. And thank you, very much, dear stranger. Second cousin once removed. Mary Mueller. Your memory, and generosity, is a blessing; one that I will spread around.
