Poor Man Wakes up One Morning and Finds His Late Father’s Old Trailer in His Backyard

One morning, a poor man is stunned to wake up and find his father’s old trailer in his yard with a note from his older brother — but the despised inheritance ends up making his fortune.

When Mark Kendrick’d first married, it looked as if life would run smoothly. He and his wife Sally had a good job. But then back in 2008, his wife lost her job as a chef when the restaurant she worked in closed down.

Left with a huge mortgage, two children, and one salary, the Kendricks had struggled. In 2019 when Mark’s father pa::ssed away, his estate — which was substantial — had all gone to his brother, Jim. It seemed that Mark just couldn’t catch a break.

Mark never told anyone, even Sally, but the conditions of his father’s will had hurt him deeply. Mark was the younger brother by nearly 20 years and the child of his father’s second marriage.

He understood that the company and the big house his father had lived in had once belonged to Jim’s deceased mother and were his by right — but Mark had thought his dad would leave him some token of his esteem.

When Mark was still a child, his father had often played hide-and-seek games with him. The little boy would often find a little treat under his pillow with a note — chocolate or a piece of candy — and the note always said: ‘Daddy loves you, Mark.’

They’d go off on vacation — Mark, his mom, and his dad — on their old trailer. His half-brother, Jim, would never go. He’d always turn up his nose at their ‘trashy trailer’ and go off with his fancy college friends.

The trio would drive around the back roads of America stopping whenever they fancied a town’s name, and the first meal they made was always his dad’s spicy clam chowder.

For Mark, those vacations were his fondest memories of his childhood, and they had ended when his mother pass::ed away, a victim of can::cer when Mark was fifteen. After that, the trailer just sat in the backyard.

Our family’s memories and the good times we spent together are the most precious things we have.

Mark’s dad had withered away to a shadow of his former self and became almost a recluse. In his last years, he refused to see anyone at all, even his sons and grandchildren.

Then, two years after his dad’s pa:ssing, Mark woke up to find the old trailer parked in his driveway! He immediately phoned his brother. “Jim, what’s going on?” he asked. “You left the trailer here?”

His brother was abrupt. “The old man wanted you to have that piece of junk,” he said. “And it’s taking up space I need. So you take it and throw away your own trash!”

“Jim,” Mark asked quietly. “Why can’t we be friends?”

“You ask me why?” asked Jim bitterly. “He loved you more than he ever loved me, he spent more time with you on that stupid trailer than he ever did with me. Tha’s why!”

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Sad Mark hung up the phone, then he went outside and climbed into the old trailer. It was sadly neglected and would need a lot of work before it could be used again.

Mark sat on his old bed and tested the mattress. He’d have to get a new one. Then, out of old habit, he stuck his hand under the pillow. To his surprise, he felt something there!

There was an envelope under the pillow with his name on it! He opened it and found a bank book for an account with a balance of over $60,000! In the envelope was a recipe for his dad’s chowder, and a note.

The note read: “My dear Mark, this recipe and the memories of the good times we shared are all I have to leave you. I hope this money will come in handy. It’s not much, but it may help to smooth your way. Remember me. Daddy loves you, Mark.”

Mark had tears in his eyes. He took the bank book and showed it to Sally. “That’s not bad…” she said. “It’s not the millions that Jim got, but it will help. You can sell that old trailer too. That should bring in a little more money.”

Mark was in shoc::k. “I’m not selling my dad’s trailer!” he cried. “That’s out of the question!”

“Well I don’t want that piece of junk just sitting in the front yard!” cried Sally crossly.

Mark sat on the front porch looking at that trailer for hours. It certainly needed a lot of work… Then he pulled his dad’s recipe out of his pocket and stared at it. “Sally!” he cried. “Come here! I have an idea!”

“What is it, Mark?” she asked.

“You know how you always said you wanted your own restaurant?” he asked excitedly and pointed at the old trailer. “There it is!”

“Are you mad?” gasped Sally.

“No!” Mark said. “Listen, we transform that old trailer into a mobile restaurant/ food truck. We make that amazing clam chowder of my dad’s… We’ll paint it bright, happy colors and string up lights…”

“That could work,” said Sally thoughtfully. “If we can afford the licenses…”

They could and they did. Pretty soon, people were coming from all over the city to eat Pop’s Chowder, making Mark give up his job to help Sally. They started a franchise, and before long, there were Pop’s Chowder food trucks all over the state.

Mark was very happy. His father’s memory was honored every day, with every bite a satisfied customer took of that amazing clam chowder. And thanks to that legacy, he was taking good care of his family.

Mark called Jim and invited him and his family to join them for a family lunch at the old refurbished trailer. Jim came and ate the chowder and the two brothers made peace, just as their father would have wanted.

I Followed My Fiancé on His Sudden Business Trip Right Before Our Wedding and Discovered the Heartbreaking Truth — Story of the Day

Two days before my wedding, my fiancé Robert dropped a bombshell—he had to leave for a sudden trip. Something felt off, and when a call from his boss didn’t add up, I followed him. What I uncovered wasn’t what I expected, leaving me questioning trust, love, and the man I was about to marry.

When I turned thirty, I couldn’t help but feel a growing fear that I might never get married. I worried that love had passed me by. But here I was—just two days away from becoming a wife.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

It felt like a dream. I was about to start a new chapter with Robert, the man who had stolen my heart and shown me what love could truly be. Robert was everything I’d ever wanted: smart, sweet, and endlessly kind.

Even when I was upset, he could make me laugh with his silly jokes or warm smile. I felt complete.

But that joy wavered the moment Robert walked into the bedroom. His uneasy expression stopped me cold. Something was wrong.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“What’s wrong?” I asked as soon as I noticed his troubled expression.

Robert hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck. “Katherine, I’m so sorry, but I have to go on a work trip.”

“What?” I said, my brow furrowing. “But our wedding is in two days.”

“I know,” he said, his voice soft. “I promise I’ll be back in time. Maybe even the night before the wedding.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Are you serious right now? You’re leaving me alone at a time like this?” My voice was sharper than I intended, but I couldn’t help it.

Robert sighed and stepped closer. “I wouldn’t go if it wasn’t important. Everything is already planned, so nothing should go wrong. I’m sorry it’s happening this way, but I really have to go.”

“But why?” I asked, feeling the heat rising in my face. Words failed me as I tried to keep my emotions in check.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Robert pulled me into a hug, holding me tightly. “I hate doing this to you, but we have our whole lives ahead of us. I’ll always be there for you, Katherine.”

“Who’s going with you?” I asked, my voice quieter now.

“Travis. That’s why it’s so important,” he said. I knew Travis was his boss, and I understood. Still, I wanted to scream like a child. But I swallowed it. I was an adult, after all.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Fine,” I said after a long pause. “But think about how you’re going to make this up to me while you’re gone.”

Robert chuckled softly, his lips brushing my forehead. “Alright,” he said. Then, he turned and began packing.

Robert moved quickly, folding clothes and placing them into his bag. I stayed on the bed, watching him silently, hoping he’d change his mind. Each item he packed felt like a step farther from me.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

My eyes wandered to the edge of the bed where his plane tickets sat. The destination caught my attention.

I didn’t think his company worked in that city. Maybe they were expanding, I thought, trying to convince myself it made sense.

When he finished, I walked him to the door. He hugged me tightly, kissed me goodbye, and left. Minutes later, my phone buzzed.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Seeing Travis’s name made my heart jump. Why was he calling? Had something happened to Robert?

“Hello? Is everything alright?” I asked, my voice trembling as I clutched the phone.

“Everything’s fine,” Travis said calmly. “I just wanted to let you know I won’t be able to make it to your wedding. I’ll be out of town on a business trip. But I’d still like to send you and Robert a gift. How can I get it to you?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

My stomach tightened. “Wait, Robert will be back by the wedding, right?” I asked, feeling a knot of confusion.

“Katherine, I’m not sure what you mean,” Travis said, sounding puzzled. “I would never send Robert on a trip this close to his wedding. Did he say I did?”

I froze, struggling to think of a response. “Oh, no. I must have misunderstood,” I said quickly. “I’ll let you know about the gift.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Okay,” Travis said, his tone uncertain. “Let me know if you need anything.” Then he hung up.

Without hesitation, I grabbed my bag, my wallet, and my coat, leaving behind everything else. My mind raced as I drove to the airport.

Robert had lied to me. I didn’t know why, but I needed answers. The uncertainty was unbearable.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

My hands trembled as I booked a ticket for his flight. Luckily, there were still seats available.

At security, I fumbled to pull off my shoes and jacket, feeling like everyone was staring at me.

Once through, I tucked my hair into a hood and put on sunglasses. I scanned the waiting area, and then I saw him.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Robert sat near the gate, his head down, staring at his phone. I positioned myself far enough away to stay unnoticed but close enough to follow.

When the flight was called, I let him board first. My heart pounded as I followed him onto the plane, keeping my distance.

I couldn’t believe I was doing this, but I had to know the truth. The flight felt endless. Every time Robert shifted in his seat, I wondered what he was thinking.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

When we landed, I spotted him again and followed him outside. He hailed a taxi, so I did the same.

“Follow that car, but keep your distance,” I told my driver, who gave me a curious glance but nodded. My pulse quickened as we drove.

The car stopped in front of a small house in a quiet neighborhood. I asked my driver to pull over a few houses away and paid him quickly.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Hiding behind a tree, I watched as Robert got out of the taxi. He hesitated at the door, then knocked.

I held my breath, watching closely. After a moment, the door opened, and someone stepped forward.

From my position behind the tree, I couldn’t see who it was, but their silhouette made my chest tighten. Then, to my disbelief, Robert stepped inside.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I stood there for a moment, frozen. Summoning my courage, I crept closer to the house.

My hands shook as I peeked through a nearby window, my breath fogging the glass. What I saw made my knees buckle.

Robert was inside, sitting with a woman I didn’t recognize. He leaned in and hugged her, the way he always hugged me.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Tears blurred my vision, streaming down my face as my heart shattered into pieces. I couldn’t understand what I was seeing.

I don’t know how long I stayed there, frozen and trembling. The sound of the front door opening snapped me back to reality.

Panicked, I ducked into the bushes, crouching low to stay hidden. From my hiding spot, I watched Robert step outside, his expression unreadable. He climbed into another taxi and left without looking back.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Gathering every bit of courage I had, I stepped out of my hiding spot and approached the door. My legs felt shaky, and my chest was tight as I raised my hand to knock.

After a few moments, the same woman I had seen earlier opened the door. She looked at me with concern, her gaze softening when she noticed the tears streaming down my face.

“Are you alright? How can I help you?” she asked gently, her voice calm.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I swallowed hard, my words barely forming. “I’m Robert’s fiancée,” I said, my voice trembling. “In two days, I’m supposed to be his wife.”

Her eyes widened in shock. “Oh,” she said, her hand moving to the doorframe as if to steady herself. “Please, come in.” She stepped aside, motioning for me to enter.

She led me into the kitchen, where she pulled out a chair for me and handed me a glass of water.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I sipped it slowly, my hands trembling. She sat across from me, her expression still kind but cautious.

“I know how this must look,” she said after a moment of silence. “But I promise, it’s not what you think. My name is Liz. I’m Robert’s first love.”

The words hit me like a punch to the stomach. “That doesn’t make it better,” I said, gripping the glass tightly. My thoughts were a whirlwind of anger and confusion.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Liz sighed and leaned forward, her tone steady. “He didn’t cheat on you, if that’s what you’re worried about. When Robert was younger…he wasn’t the same man you know now.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, my voice sharper than I intended.

“Our relationship wasn’t healthy,” Liz said simply. “There were things he needed to fix in himself. He came here to apologize.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Apologize? Why now? Why before our wedding?” I asked, my chest tightening again.

“Because he didn’t want to carry the weight of his mistakes into his future with you,” Liz said. “He told me he loves you deeply. He wanted to make peace with his past so it wouldn’t affect your life together.”

I shook my head, my voice shaking. “Why didn’t he tell me? Why lie?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Liz gave me a small, understanding smile. “We all have things we carry. Some we share, and some we don’t. I’m happily married now, with two kids. Robert talked about you like you’re his whole world. You’ll make each other happy. We were never meant to be happy together, but you and Robert will be.”

I nodded slowly, unsure of how to feel. Liz offered to let me stay until my flight.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Meeting her family, I saw the love in her eyes for her husband. It reminded me of how I felt about Robert. Slowly, I began to calm.

I arrived home just as the first light of dawn was breaking. Robert was waiting by the door, his face full of worry. The moment he saw me, he pulled me into a tight hug.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Katherine, where were you?” he asked, his voice tense. “I was so worried. I called you so many times, and you didn’t answer. I thought something had happened.”

I hesitated, unsure of how to begin. “It’s not… I don’t know what to say,” I finally admitted.

Robert stepped back slightly, his hands still on my shoulders. “Then let me start. I lied to you,” he said. “I wasn’t on a work trip—”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I know,” I interrupted, looking into his eyes.

He nodded, his face filled with regret. “I’m sorry for lying. I should’ve told you, but I swear I didn’t do anything wrong.”

“I know,” I said softly. “And I’m sorry too.”

Robert frowned. “Why are you apologizing?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Because I doubted you,” I said, my voice trembling. “I followed you after Travis called and told me you weren’t with him. I went to Liz’s house. I talked to her. She explained everything.”

Robert’s face softened. “Katherine, I love you,” he said. “Only you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

I felt a weight lift from my chest. “I know. Now I’m sure of it,” I said, leaning forward to kiss him.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Tell us what you think about this story and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.

If you enjoyed this story, read this one: At nine months pregnant, I thought bending over to clean would be the hardest part of my life. But my husband’s distance and a shocking discovery in his closet made me question everything. When I uncovered strange bills and a truth he’d been hiding, I knew I had to face what was tearing us apart.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.

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