Imagine being thrown out by your own sons only to end up a millionaire. That’s exactly what happened to me after my boys left me with nothing.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
My husband, Todd, and I wanted our twins, Cole and Elijah, to become doctors. We were uneducated and lived on a ranch, but we worked hard for our boys’ education. After Todd died in a buffalo stampede, I even became a maid to fund their schooling.
Years later, a wealthy rancher tempted my boys to sell our land. “We’ve decided to take up John’s offer, Mom,” Cole told me at dinner one evening.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
“But we really need that money, Mom,” my other son argued.
I was adamant and still refused.
So the next day, they threw me out, claiming the land was in their names. My siblings wouldn’t help, so I had to go to a homeless shelter. Thankfully, the shelter became my new family. I also found solace working as a maid for Mr. Williams. He was an elderly businessman, who not only paid me well but also listened to my worries.
One day, the inevitable happened: Mr. Williams passed away in his sleep. I was shocked to learn he left me his fortune, but there was a condition: I couldn’t share the millions with my kids or siblings — the people who abandoned me.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney
My boys, realizing I was wealthy, asked for money. But I refused. My new family in the shelter deserved the support, not the sons who abandoned me in my time of need. Always remember that if you disrespect your parents, you only deserve disrespect in return.
Moving on, let’s see what surprise life had in store for Amanda and her grandmother, Natalie.
The Meaning Behind Placing Coins on Gravestones
Finding ways to celebrate a loved one’s memory becomes vital for many after they pass away, as losing a loved one is always a tough event. While flower arrangements and other tributes are typical, there is a specific meaning associated with laying pennies on gravestones, especially for veterans and service members and their families.
A Tradition Worth Keeping
Though its exact roots are unknown, some have speculated that the custom of laying coins on gravestones originated during the Roman Empire. However, according to Snopes, there is insufficient evidence to back up this assertion. However, one thing is certain: people who have a strong bond with military people are aware of the sacrifices they make and are looking for a significant way to remember their lost colleagues.
It became increasingly difficult for people to express their emotions honestly during the Vietnam War. It became customary to place a coin on a soldier’s tomb to signify that someone had paid them a visit without running the danger of awkward talks regarding the political sides of the conflict. The gesture was a straightforward but effective way for people to express respect and unity.
Symbolic Honor Representations
Every penny placed on a gravestone has a special meaning associated with it. Here are few instances:
A penny is a sign that someone has paid their respects and visited the tomb.
Deeper emotional significance can be derived from a nickel, which represents a bond between the individual who left it and the dead soldier from boot camp.
A dime signifies cooperation, even if it was just briefly before splitting up.
The most important coin, the quarter, acts as a monument by informing the bereaved family that the person who left the coin was there during their time of grief.
These coins remind us of the sacrifices made by those who serve in the military and act as tangible representations of respect and tribute, bridging the gap between the past and present.
Past Gravestones
Not all military traditions involve coins, such as placing money on gravestones. Military troops are big fans of challenge coins, which have no monetary worth but are extremely significant. These coins, which stand for oneness, are frequently traded as trophies of friendship and honor.
Throughout history, coins have also had a variety of roles in cultural practices. They have been regarded as representations of good fortune, giving, and even riches. While this isn’t always the case, some people in the past were buried with their riches. For instance, it’s been reported that two dollars and fifty cents were buried with Abraham Lincoln’s eyes covered.
The deeper significance of laying pennies on gravestones is to commemorate and recognize the extraordinary efforts made by those who are serving in the military and their families, even though there may not be a clear relationship between money and this practice. It serves as a reminder to ourselves that their sacrifices are priceless.
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