Jas sighed as he looked at the documents. He had returned home to attend his father’s funeral. His father had divided his property equally between Jas and his two siblings. Jas’s eyes searched the car park while his siblings discussed the contents of the will. He went over to an old car, neglected behind flashy new cars. It was the first car that they had bought. His siblings were not born then. Jas recalled his scribbling excited words on a piece of paper when his father dropped him in the boarding school. He decided that the car was the only thing he wanted in his father’s memory. Let his siblings take everything else.
This was written for Friday fictioneers, hosted by Rochelle. Thanks to Beth Carter for the photo.
Jas treasures his father’s memories – I don’t mean his memories of his father, but “his father’s memories”.
This rang true for me, Padmini – and I relish such hidden nuggets. The joy of discovery. Thank you for making it so.
Peace, Eric
P/s All of us parents recall vividly the pleasure the first car brought our child/children.
and these are some special things that only Jas and his father share. His siblings were not even born then and they were not a part of this warmth and happiness. Glad you could connect with this story. Thank you very much for the kind comment
“I don’t mean his memories of his father, but “his father’s memories”.”
Excellent observation, Eric. That requires a much higher level of empathy … 2 giant steps beyond the sibs.
~kp
Thank you, kp:)
That’s nice. Too many times, families fight over the will, to see who can get the most.
very true. Thanks so much
You know it’s love when memory holds more worth than matter….
A lovely heartfelt story, Padmini…
Thank you so much, Carolyn:)
very nice and wonderful ! The story relates and touches the core
Thank you, Soumya:)
That’s how I am with my dads binoculars. When he passed that was the only thing I wanted. Great post.
Thanks a lot for relating to this..thank you
Lovely story..
Thanks so much
Jaw is a sentimental soul. Memory vs. Material gain. I enjoyed your story.
He is indeed. Thank you, Kim, for stopping by
I can relate. Sometimes the most worthless are the most valuable… nice tale.
That’s right..it becomes valuable with memories. Thank you very much.
Nice to have someone who appreciates things for the value of their meaning and not the monetary value! I’ve experienced the flip side and it can be ugly. Nicely done.
janet
that’s really sad..but unfortunately, that’s what happens most of the time, I suppose..Thank you for liking this, Janet
Wonderful 🙂
Thank you:)
A unique memory shared, but shared only because of the run-down object, the car…gives food for thought, as always – thank you, Nightlake
well, wanted to write a story in some other genre, but thought of this in the end:) Thank you very much, Pirate
When I started reading I thought Jas was going to get lumbered with the car and the others would get everything else! Sweet that the car was all he wanted – lovely little tale 🙂
lol:) that would make another story, wouldn’t it? Thank you so much for liking it and the kind comment:)
In Yiddish we’d say that Jas is a mensch…a true person. Sweet, well-written story. And for your listening pleasure (I hope). I think it speaks of Jas and the car. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCw6gytiZRc
Shalom,
Rochelle
that was a sweet tribute:) and liked the whistling in the beginning:) Thank you for the video:) Thanks for liking this one, Rochelle
Obviously he cherishes the memories brought by the object more than all the rest of the inheritance. He has a connection with his father the others do not share and that is what he wants to cherish.
Yes, he cares for the memories more than the wealth. Thank you for stopping over here:)
Very nice. I’d like to meet Jas.
Unfortunately, he exists only in imaginations:) Thank you very much for liking this and commenting:)
Great ending, nothing’s worse than siblings getting angry over a will. Jas sounds like a great guy.
Thank you so much:)
I don’t know if you ever hear the song, The Randal Knife, by Guy Clark, but it came to mind when I read your story. Also made me think of my dad, who has been gone a few years now. Well done.
Nope, yet to hear that song:) Touched to know that this story reminds you of your dad. Glad you visited and thank you kindly for the comment
Well that was nice!
Hi, Thank you:)
Nice memory tale with a warm sense of nostalgia. Well done. Ron
Thanks a lot, Ron:)
My Dad died last May and I understand Jas’ feelings. Thank you for this story.
Thank you so much..appreciate your kind comment
Jas…sounds like a true gentleman. love your heartwarming story. ♥
Hi Sunshine, Thank you:))
Things that may seem least valuable becomes invaluable when they hold precious memories! Lovely story 🙂
That’s right. Thank you!
siblings tend to forget they’re related when it comes to the will, very true… a great touching story..
yes, they start their own families and selfishness overtakes affection..Thank you for reading and commenting, kz
What a touching story.
Thank you, Shirley. ‘Among the clutter’ was also very well written.
Like Jas. Well done.
Thank you!
Good story, with a moral, too. I did, however, get tired of the word siblings…
well. It has been repeated as I noticed now:)) anyway, thank you so much for reading and liking the story:)
never know what will be considered “valuable” nor by whom. well done.
Thank you, Rich:)
I like this one very much. Pointing out how our memories decide after the fact what is or was important and of true value to us. Thank you, well written.
That is true..some people think little of financial benefits..Jas, in this story, is one of them. Thank you, Penny
I could have never thought of funeral and will with this prompt!
A lot was conveyed in this short piece. Very deftly done.
Yes, it is our thinking and interpretation:) sometimes it works well..Thank you very much for visiting
The fact that Jas would take the car home speaks to the warmth of the memories associated with it. (I can relate as I have the ugliest of lamps which I treasure as it came from my father’s den.)
rightly said. Glad that you can relate to the theme. Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts and memories
This prioritises the priceless. Well done.
Thank you! Glad you stopped by my blog
An inheritance woth treasuring.
True. Thank you so much, Ken
amazing story padmini!
Thank you, Sharmishtha
Delightful story.Thank you for liking my post ( The present / Reflection ).jalal
You are welcome. Thank you for stopping here:)