When I Was 15, My Dad Gave Me My Late Mom’s Jewelry—

At 12, I lost my mom and clung to her possessions—her jewelry, wedding ring, and watch—as tangible memories. Now 26, I’ve fiercely protected these items. At 15, I caught my dad’s girlfriend snooping through Mom’s jewelry; he ended that relationship. Later, my aunt tried stealing Mom’s favorite pearl pendant. I moved Mom’s things to my grandparents’ for safekeeping. At 17, my dad married Rhoda, with whom I never bonded.

They have two daughters, Lynn and Sophia. Before their wedding, Dad asked me to give Mom’s Claddagh ring, necklace, bracelet, and wedding ring to Rhoda and her girls, claiming it would unite the family. I refused, insisting Mom wanted me to have them. Rhoda called, accusing me of being a bad daughter and sister. I dismissed her,

emphasizing the 12-year age gap and my ownership of Mom’s items. Dad texted, guilt-tripping me, but I stood firm. At the wedding, I gifted Rhoda a box of Mom’s old cleaning rags, sarcastically fulfilling her request for something Mom loved. Her smile faded; I walked out, laughing, feeling Mom would be proud.