My mom died of cancer when I was 17.
Three years later, my dad married a woman just a year older than me, and I was furious. I convinced myself he’d replaced my mother, so I cut him out of my life for nearly five years.
Last week, my stepmom showed up at my door looking worn and told me my dad was very sick—and the real reason they married.
She had been my mom’s hospice nurse. Before dying, my mom asked her to stay in our lives, to look after my dad, and my dad honored that promise. My mom had cared for this woman like a daughter.
I realized I’d spent years believing a lie.
I went home the next day. My dad looked frail, but when he saw me, he whispered, “You came.” We cried and talked and tried to make up for lost time.
Before I left, my stepmom gave me a letter from my mom asking me to forgive and accept her as family.
My dad passed six months later, holding both our hands.
I learned the truth late—but not too late to heal.
