Thanks Grandma!

My grandmother was one of the most influential people in my life. She had strong moral convictions and guided me through several stages of life from childhood to adolescence to adulthood. In fact, the first person I was ever in debt to was my grandmother. She loaned me $500 to buy my first car, a 1981 Chevy Chevette.

In 2001 my grandma was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and she succumbed to the disease last month at the age of 83. While saddened by her loss the fact that she had a disease that robbed her of her dignity, intelligence, and the knowledge of the great family that surrounded and loved her made her passing a little more acceptable but not necessarily easier.

Then I found out last week that I am getting a percentage of the inheritance she left behind. This totally blew my mind because I fully expected it all to go to my dad but it turns out that the small percentage that I am going to receive will be more than enough to pay off my debt.

Suddenly I find my quest to become debt free coming to an abrupt halt and my grandmother still watching out for me even in her passing.

My grandparents had a farm so while growing up I certainly learned first hand not to count my chickens before they hatch. So, I’ll continue moving on with my own personal debt reduction plan until the money arrives and then we’ll see what happens from there.