You Can't Take it with You!
Illinois Woman Bequeaths 7 Million to Lake Forest College
"You can't take it with you when you die"
"Live like there's no tomorrow because there may not be"
And my personal favorite,
"You'll never see a U-haul behind a hearse!"
When Grace Groner stepped from this life into the everlasting at age 100 recently, she was keenly aware that none of her fortune would be going with her. What left many gasping for breath was that this woman had lived a life of frugality - walking instead of driving, shopping at rummage sales for her clothes and living in modest circumstances.
So, when Grace left us in January of 2010, she left behind a small fortune she had amassed from her thrifty lifestyle. This woman who survived the Depression knew firsthand how to survive without many things. Amazing, she accumulated $7 million dollars to leave for the Lake Forest College that she loved dearly.
Many folks, including Lake Forest College President, Steve Schutt, were amazed by Grace's contribution. Along with her $7 million in cash, she also left her one-bedroom home in Lake Forest to the college. The money will be divided among 1,300 students for internships and study-abroad programs. Her home will house the very scholarship winners that are benefiting from her generous donations.
It makes you think - what won't I be taking with me? Who will I leave it all too?
I often joke with my husband that we need to begin cleaning out the house now, throwing things away, because the kids won't know and won't care about half the 'stuff' we've accumulated through the years. Believe me, it isn't all that much!
But, it begs the question, is there something really wonderful that you could leave behind that would benefit others after your departure? What legacy will you leave?
We read stories like those of Grace and it causes us to pause and take stock of our own lives. Here was a selfless woman who lived a life of frugality because she saw the greater good at the end of the line. It is a lifetime, sacrificial giving, that will touch many lives.
When I leave, there will not be millions to give; but the giving while I'm living - oh, the memories I am making!
Source: http://article.wn.com/view/2010/03/04/Frugal_woman_leaves_7M_to_Lake_Forest_College_i/
Published by Michele Starkey
Optimist who enjoys writing, laughing and spreading good news. If I have but one life to live, I hope to make mine memorable. My epitaph will read: she lived, she loved, she left. View profile
- "You Can't Keep it Down" by Kiffan overview of the album "You Can't Keep it Down" by San Francisco artist Kiff
- Gifts that You Can't Go Wrong WithThis article features some fantastic gifts that you can't go wrong with.
Atlanta Reports Mega Million is $103 Million, What Would You Do with All...Just what would you do with 103 million dollars? - We'll Think it for You WholesaleIn the future, education will be illegal and the human intellect is controled by a government run monopolist corporation.
Best Picture Oscar Winners Available for Netflix Instant Viewing that Ma...Have you seen every movie that won an Oscar for Best Picture? With the Netflix Roku you now have the chance to stream quite a few of them directly to your TV at your leisure.
- As Tall as Lions - You Can't Take it with You Review
- You Can't Take it Back
- Overcoming "I Can't Take it Anymore" Parenting Moments
- Significance of Tattoo Selection and Placement: It's with You for Life
- How to Find a Good Home for Your Dog when You Can't Take Them with You
- Can You Take Your Clients with You when You Quit?
- Drama Games for Kids - No, You Can't Take Me!
45 Comments
Post a CommentI think people who have money and live simply may just have the right idea for all of us. Wouldn't it be great if we all had money we good leave for the betterment of society as a whole?
beautiful. I love Grace's educational endowment idea. Mother Theresa says, 'Live simply that others may simply live.'
Sweet story, but I really have a problem with people who live penurious lives while they have millions stashed away!
Great article - you always find the most interesting topics!
what a wonderful heart that woman had! we all need to be reminded that we can't take it with us when we go :)
It's a great way to think and a good article. We had a clear out of some of my stuff the other week, things that I had collected from my worldly travels over the last 20 years, and a lot of it just went to the charity shop.
Wow a great way to think because it is the truth!!!
- Kent
the legacy I would leave are my stories, they are really all that I have
Great article, great news.
I especially like "giving while I'm living"...wonderful article!