For years, Clem’s grandmother had given her little plastic sheep for her birthday. At first, she thought it was simply due to her grandmother’s declining memory. However, she was unaware that each plastic sheep contained hidden messages that would provide her with great opportunities for the future.
As the youngest in my family, with two older brothers in their thirties, I always felt showered with love from my parents and brothers. Yet, one person consistently reminded me of her unconditional love—my grandma.
On the evening of my 19th birthday, Grandma shuffled over to me with a small box in hand. I immediately knew it was another plastic sheep.
For the longest time, I couldn’t understand why she gave me these sheep each year. It had become a tradition since my 7th birthday.
I would always act surprised when I opened the box, ready to see yet another little sheep with a different colored bell around its neck.
Little did I know, each sheep held a secret message—Grandma had been weaving a hidden story for me since childhood.
But as her health declined, we all knew her time was limited. When she passed away, I was heartbroken.
“At least Grandma lives on in you,” my mother said as she mourned her mother. “We named you after Grandma Clementine because you were a gift to us, just as you were to her.”
On my 20th birthday, my mom handed me another little box containing a sheep.
“Grandma gave me this before she passed,” Mom said. “She said it was the last one.”
I looked at the little plastic sheep and broke down in tears. I left my birthday party, leaving my brothers’ kids to enjoy the cake, and retreated to my room.
Carefully, I placed the new sheep on a shelf above my bed alongside the others. I used to wonder if my grandmother had a memory problem, which was why she gifted me a sheep year after year. But now, looking at them brought me immense comfort.
“Clem?” my older brother called from the doorway, stepping into my room.
“I miss her,” I said. “Even if I thought she was strange for giving me plastic sheep.”
“So you still haven’t figured it out?” Sheldon asked with a knowing smile.
I shook my head.
“Check the bottom of the sheep,” he suggested.
Confused, I turned it over and read the message printed on the underside.
“I love you,” followed by a number. Another number was beneath one of the legs, keeping the order of the sheep.
It looked like a code, but I was still puzzled.
“You really don’t get it, do you?” Sheldon grinned.
“Get what?” I asked, genuinely confused.
“Look at the last one, then write down the numbers in order. Come on, Clem,” he said with a wink before returning to the party.
“Go to the bank, Clem,” was the final message.
Arranging the numbers based on the years Grandma had gifted me the sheep revealed a bank account number.
The next day, I went to the bank my grandmother had used. To my astonishment, I learned that she had set up an account for me at birth, depositing money annually.
There was over $120,000 waiting for me.
“Ma’am,” the consultant said. “There’s more. Your grandmother also had a safety deposit box in your name. I’ll give you access to it now.”
After a brief wait, the banker presented me with the box. Inside, I found a handwritten letter from my grandmother.
Dearest Clem,
You figured it out! Forgive this old lady for playing with you, but I love you so much. I wanted to make sure you were set for life, and I did it this way so that no one could take the money from you.
If I’m still around, come over for tea, honey.
I love you.
— Nana
Tears streamed down my face as the depth of her love washed over me.
Armed with the letter, a bouquet of flowers, and a flask of tea, I made my way to Grandma’s final resting place.
The cemetery was bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, and the flowers seemed to brighten the somber surroundings. I placed the flowers at Grandma’s grave and poured her a cup of tea from the flask.
I added two spoons of sugar, just as she always did. Sitting there, I sipped the tea, feeling her presence.
“Thank you, Nan,” I said. “You’ve opened the door to my dream college. I promise to make you proud. You’ve loved me more than anyone else.”
I sat there until Grandma’s cup of tea went cold, pouring my heart out to her and sharing how much she was missed.
What are your wholesome family stories?
