Maya finished college and took a job with a nonprofit.

Our roof needed replacing.

Elise’s father became ill, and she spent months traveling to help her mother.

I was laid off again before finding steadier work at a local supply company.

Through it all the Sterling House continued because more people had learned to carry the work.

We never paid off every worry with Arthur’s gift.

We did use a portion, after setting aside the program’s funds and meeting our obligations, to reduce our mortgage and support Maya’s education.

I sometimes felt guilty about that, until I reread Arthur’s letter.