While my mom battled cancer, I was her caregiver, nursing her until her final days. But when she passed away, my mom split her money between my money-hungry brother and aunts. But it turns out that there was more to the story.
It turns out that inheritance, loss, and family are the ultimate recipes for drama. Let me tell you all about what happened after my mom passed away.
My mom battled with cancer for the longest time. When I look back now, it was something that had been around throughout my early life and then carried on when I enrolled at the community college close to home. Mom was always my best friend, so naturally, I was going to be there every step of the way while she battled this illness.
I just remember the days bleeding into nights when she was sick — something that was in a constant loop. But I also remember that the spoon-feeding and the hand-holding gave her as much comfort as they gave me. And then, on the other side of this story, my brother and aunts only showed up when they needed something. Usually, to have their bills paid.
Cancer patient at home. | Source: Pexels
Or, like the one aunt (while my mom was on a steady decline), she wanted mom’s “contacts” to sort out a new house for her. Because my mom owned a real estate agency. The audacity was unbelievable.
Anyway, Mom tried her hardest, but the illness took over in the end. Now, fast forward to the day of the will reading. All the relatives, the lawyer, and I were sitting in a room like something straight out of a Hallmark movie — think of wood everywhere and a chipped tea set on the scratched surface of an impossibly old coffee table.
I was sipping a cup of weak tea from one of the chipped teacups when the lawyer dropped the bomb. Mom’s savings, about all $5 million of it, was to be split between my brother and my aunts. I choked back the tea, thinking what was happening in the name of heaven. Because I got nothing. Zip. Nada.
Now, I’m sitting there, with tears streaming down my face and onto the white skirt I was wearing — mascara drops staining my clothing. And this greedy bunch did not even bother to hide their smirks.
I was baffled.
Pink and White Tea Set. | Source: Pexels
How on earth could my mom have done this to me? I thought, wiping my nose with the face of my hand. And then, as a classic overthinker, I began to wonder whether I cared enough for her during those final months.
But then, the lawyer stood up and handed me an envelope.
“Your Mom,” he said, “loved you more than anyone.”
Of course, the room gets quiet, and the greedy bunch all look hungrily at the letter. Dearest Lily, it said on the front.
I opened the letter, and an address and a key were written on a single piece of paper.
Now, I’m sitting there and thinking, What the heck, Mom?
But I decided to check it out. Maybe she wanted me to clear out a storage room or something. The lawyer decided to tag along, tight-lipped about everything. So, we got to the address, which turned out to be this hidden gem of a house. A beautiful home with even my favorite flowers planted along the walkway.
Beautiful House | Source: Pexels
Mom had left me a fully paid-for home! And it was clear that she had left her imprint on the place because there were photos of us inside. And another letter on the glass table in the entrance hall — this letter was to spill the beans.
It turns out my mom knew all about how my brother and aunts were the biggest money drains. But she wanted me to have a place to build a future and a family. To make new memories in a place that clearly has her spirit.
As for the money? Well, the letter said that she handed it to them, fully aware that they would blow through it. She wanted to teach them the value of things and focus on family ties. Which was bound to happen when the money was long gone.
But now, I’m standing in my new kitchen, drinking coffee from the coffee machine I always wanted, and I realize that mom’s love was never in the money — no. It was in this home, and I knew that this gift would be more valuable to me than anything else.
Hey, Mom? You still know the best.
Person using a coffee machine | Source: Pexels
What “mom knows best” stories do you have?
But in the meantime, 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?
Martha Stewart’s perfect response for haters who say she should dress her age
The legendary businesswoman Martha Stewart, known for her exquisite home décor and culinary prowess, is making news once more.
But it’s not for her newest dish or do-it-yourself project this time.
Stewart, who is eighty-two, is embracing her individuality and rejecting ageist preconceptions, especially when it comes to her style choices.
Stewart was asked recently about how she approaches dressing for her age while she was in New York City for the Fashion Group International Night of Stars event. Stewart dismissively answered the question of “dressing for one’s age” when it was posed, asking, “Dressing for whose age?” as reported by the Huffington Post.
For all women, Stewart’s defiance of age-related fashion standards is an inspiration. She asserts loudly that she doesn’t take age into account when making dress decisions, saying, “I don’t think about age.” I believe that as people get older, they get more and more amazing, and I salute each and every one of them, according to Page 6.
She declares with pride, “I’ve dressed the same since I was 17,” demonstrating her confidence.
Stewart has been causing a stir on social media with her daring dress choices in addition to her red carpet appearances. From taking pictures by the pool to becoming the oldest model to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in history, Stewart celebrates her sexuality and individuality with unwavering courage.
In an open interview, Stewart highlighted how happy she was to be acknowledged as a sex icon at her age and how it could serve as an inspiration to others. She said, “I’m a teacher,” according to the Huffington Post. “I want to show people that having a great appearance is possible.” There’s no justification for moping around.
Stewart kept her usual sense of humor and spontaneity when questioned about her future intentions to share “thirst traps” on social media. Stewart’s lighthearted approach to life is charming and inspirational, whether he’s laughing about taking a picture with a polar bear in Greenland or just letting things happen.
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