My elderly mom was barely coping with Dad’s death when a security guard humiliated her. I wanted justice for her, but instead, I stumbled onto a mystery I couldn’t leave unsolved.
I’m 52, and after losing Dad last year, my biggest concern was helping my 85-year-old mom, Eleanor, cope with her grief.
I teach high school history and research family trees in my spare time.
Dad, George, used to tease me about my hobby.
“Other people watch television, Claire. You investigate dead relatives.”
I research family trees.
“They’re usually more interesting.”
“Certainly quieter,” Mom added.
Dad laughed. “You should try researching living relatives sometime.”
“Why? They’re the ones who keep asking me for favors.”
“Like helping your mother with her garden?” Mom asked.
You investigate dead relatives.
“Exactly. Those dead relatives never ask me to pull weeds.”
Dad chuckled. “See, Eleanor? Our daughter has her priorities straight.”
“For once,” Mom replied, smiling.
***
Then Dad died a year ago.
Since then, Mom had barely left the house.
Try researching living relatives.
“Come to church with me Sunday.”
“Not this week, Claire.”
“You said that last week.”
“And I’ll probably say it next week.”
“Mom…”
Mom had barely left the house.
“I’m eighty-five, sweetheart. Let me be stubborn.”
Recently, she started sorting through Dad’s belongings.
One afternoon, I found her searching his desk.
“Lose something?”
“Just an old envelope.”
Let me be stubborn.
“Want help?”
“No, sweetheart.”
What happened next changed everything… FULL STORY on the next page.
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