My mother battled cancer for as long as I can remember. Throughout my early life and even when I enrolled at the community college nearby, her illness was a constant presence. Mom was my best friend, and naturally, I was there for her every step of the way.
I recall the days blending into nights as I cared for her, spoon-feeding and holding her hand, which comforted both of us. In contrast, my brother and aunts only appeared when they needed something, like having their bills paid.
One particularly audacious moment was when one of my aunts, during Mom’s steady decline, asked for “contacts” to help her find a new house because Mom owned a real estate agency. It was shocking to witness their gall.
The Will Reading: A Shocking Revelation
Despite Mom’s valiant efforts, the illness ultimately claimed her. Fast forward to the day of the will reading: relatives, the lawyer, and I gathered in a room that seemed straight out of a Hallmark movie, complete with wooden furniture and a chipped tea set. As I sipped weak tea, the lawyer revealed that Mom’s $5 million savings were to be split between my brother and aunts. I was stunned, tears streaming down my face, while the others couldn’t hide their smirks. I received nothing.
I was bewildered. How could Mom do this to me? Did I not care enough for her during her final months? Then, the lawyer handed me an envelope and said, “Your Mom loved you more than anyone.” The greedy bunch stared hungrily at the letter addressed to me.
The Mysterious Letter
I opened the letter, finding an address and a key inside. Confused, I wondered what Mom intended. The lawyer, tight-lipped, decided to accompany me to the address. We arrived at a beautiful hidden gem of a house, with my favorite flowers planted along the walkway. Inside, there were photos of us and another letter on the glass table in the entrance hall.
A Home Full of Love
The second letter revealed that Mom knew about my brother and aunts’ greed. She wanted me to have a place to build a future and make new memories, a home filled with her spirit. The money given to them was a lesson, knowing they would squander it. She aimed to teach them the value of family ties, which would become evident once the money was gone.
Realizing Mom’s True Gift
Now, as I stand in my new kitchen, drinking coffee from the machine I always wanted, I understand that Mom’s love was never about money. It was in this home, a gift more valuable than anything else. “Hey, Mom? You still know best.”
Sharing Stories
What “mom knows best” stories do you have?
Here’s another story for you: When Cora hears a radio advertisement about Mothers and Daughters, she feels compelled to spend time with her husband’s daughter, Mia. But as she prepares for their bonding trip, Cora gets more than she bargained for. If Mia’s not the daughter, who is she
