When loved ones pass, they leave more than possessions. These three stories reveal how unexpected inheritances unveil secrets, painful truths, and life-changing lessons, showing that true legacy isn’t always material.
In these stories, the real gifts were life’s most valuable lessons, far beyond money.
1. Inherited Grandma’s Old Clocks While My Greedy Brother Got the House**
My grandma Marlene was my rock. When I visited her, my brother Brian was already there, showing only greed. She left him the house and me her “worthless” clocks. But those clocks, rare and old, were worth $200,000. Grandma’s true legacy wasn’t in property but in her love and thoughtfulness.
2. Grandma’s Will Left Me Nothing Until I Discovered Her Secret Plan**
My grandma left her farm to my sister Felicity but allowed me to live there. Felicity’s greed soon surfaced, and even a fire didn’t stop me from honoring Grandma’s wishes. Eventually, the lawyer revealed that the farm truly belonged to me. Grandma’s test revealed Felicity’s nature and confirmed my devotion.
3. Grandfather Left Me an Apiary and a Treasure Map**
My Grandpa left me his apiary, knowing it held more value than money. Initially reluctant, I followed a hidden map he left, learning patience and persistence. His final note reminded me that wealth lies in hard work and love. Today, I pass his lessons on to my son, teaching the value of true legacy.
Think you know her? You might want to take a seat before discovering who she really is
Joan van Ark was born on June 16, 1943, in New York City, far from the world of entertainment. Her life took a significant turn during her teenage years while acting in Denver, where she met actress Julie Harris, who would greatly influence her career. Julie encouraged Joan to apply to the prestigious Yale Drama School and even helped her secure a scholarship, making Joan the second woman ever to enroll there.
Joan recalled: “Harris wrote to the dean and asked him to meet me. Long story short, my parents drove me to New Haven, Connecticut, where the dean awarded me a scholarship. It felt destined”. After honing her skills in theater, Joan shifted her focus to television, where she starred in shows like Temperature’s Rising, Spider-Woman, Days of Our Lives, and even made a guest appearance on Bonanza. However, it was her role as Valene Ewing on Dallas in 1978 that propelled her to stardom.
Her success on Dallas led to her starring in its spin-off, Knots Landing, which was actually developed before Dallas. Initially, Joan was set to join the Knots Landing cast, but she ended up reprising her role on Dallas first. It was her husband, newscaster John Marshall, who encouraged her to accept the role despite her busy schedule. When it was announced that Julie Harris would play Val’s mother, Joan was thrilled. “I couldn’t believe they had picked her to be my mother”, she recalled in a 1984 interview.
After 13 seasons and 327 episodes on Knots Landing, Joan left the show just before its final season. While many speculated that her departure contributed to the show’s cancellation, she was ready for new challenges. “I loved my time on that show”, she stated, expressing gratitude to the show’s creator, David Jacobs, and her co-star, Ted Shackelford, who she considered family.
Joan and John, who met in high school, have been happily married for over 58 years and share a daughter, Vanessa Marshall, who works in the entertainment industry. Now at 81, Joan has a net worth of $10 million and remains stunning. She was last spotted five years ago, casually paying for parking in workout attire.
Her most recent appearance was in the 2017 television film Psycho Wedding Crasher. After a remarkable 50-year career in entertainment, Joan van Ark is now a life member of The Actor’s Studio, solidifying her legacy as an icon.
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