Chapter 37 - the foundation building that carried his name
Years later, the foundation opened a new building.
Jessi refused to put her name on it.
Instead, the board proposed naming it after her father.
She hesitated.
“Why?”
Daniel smiled.
“Because he started the trust.”
Julian nodded.
“He tried to protect people.”
Jessi looked at the building.
Then agreed.
The sign read:
THE CARTER FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER
At the opening ceremony, Jessi stood at the podium.
She looked at the crowd.
Women.
Children.
Lawyers.
Counselors.
Donors.
Employees.
People whose lives had changed because money had been used differently.
“My father once told me that money can protect you for a while.”
She paused.
“But he learned that money cannot tell you who loves you.”
She smiled.
“Today, I understand something else.”
The room became quiet.
“Money can be useful.”
She looked around.
“But only if people decide what it is for.”
Applause filled the room.
Jessi stepped away.
Her husband took her hand.
“You'd make your father proud.”
She smiled.
May you like
“I hope he'd be relieved.”
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