I Took Care of My Sick Mother Until Her Last Breath, but in the End Her Will Left Me With Nothing — Story of the Day
I gave up everything to be by my mother’s side while I took care of her in her last days. But I had nothing left over once the will was read. Although the betrayal was painful, everything I believed to be true about my family and myself was altered by the revelation of her decision and the mysteries that followed.
I was still carrying the burden of my mother’s death on my chest when I drove to her home.
Only a week had passed since the burial, and now I had to deal with what was left—the difficult, pragmatic choices that always seemed to fall on me.
Once more, everyone in our family looked to me as the only sane person. Mom’s illness had been no different.
Throughout it all, I took care of her, fed her, and made sure she wasn’t left alone. She would definitely leave the house to me, in my opinion. Not Phoebe.
Phoebe was a complex person. She had been all along. Unusual, unpredictable—broken in a manner that life had never fully mended.
I was able to handle things better than she could. I couldn’t help but worry for her, even though we were so far away. After all, she was my younger sister.
Dan, who smelled somewhat of booze, sat quietly next to me in the car. He had assured me that he no longer drank, but the fragrance was too familiar. To be honest, I was on the verge of losing it.
We parked in front of Mom’s house and pulled into the driveway. I felt a new pain at the sight of it. The attorney I had hired was waiting outside with his briefcase in hand.
As we exited the vehicle, I greeted the attorney. “Why do you not go inside?”
He looked at the home and said, “It’s locked.”
“Secured?” I scowled as I repeated. Is Phoebe still not here? She promised to arrive early.
I took out my phone and dialed her number. The call immediately ended up in voicemail.
She is not using her phone. I shoved it back into my pocket and said, “Great.” I also didn’t have the keys.
Dan shook his head, standing behind me. Like usual, your sister. He muttered, “She needs a babysitter or something.”
I tried not to panic and added, “She’ll be here soon.” I gave him a stern look, challenging him to elaborate.
I noticed Phoebe coming up the driveway a few minutes later. Her mascara smeared under her eyes, and her hair was disheveled. She didn’t appear to have slept.
“Hard night, eh?” I crossed my arms and asked.
Phoebe gave a feeble grin. “Is it really that clear?”
“Come together. “The attorney is waiting,” I answered, gesturing to the house.
She brushed passed me and laughed, “Oh, please.” We are all aware that you will get the house. Remember, you’re the ideal daughter?
I gritted my teeth and decided not to respond. I was aware of her difficulties. She had been devastated by Mom’s passing. She often reminded people of her mother.
The lawyer started reading the will as we sat down inside. He spoke in a monotone until he delivered the words I wasn’t expecting.
“All assets, including the house, belong to Phoebe.”
“What?” I stared at him as I blurted out. “You mean that Phoebe gets the house?”
“I’m simply reading what’s written,” the attorney stated coolly.
“That is unfair!” Dan sprang out. The only person that took care of their mother was my wife! She did not take any action! He poked Phoebe with a finger.
With a shattered face, Phoebe leaped from her chair and fled outdoors.
“Dan!” I yelled at him.
“What? His voice remained heated as he said, “You know I’m right.”
I didn’t answer. I rolled my eyes, stood up, and went outside with Phoebe.
Mom’s favorite spot in the backyard was the bench, where Phoebe sat. With her hands fumbling in her lap and her shoulders slumped forward, she exuded fatigue.
I approached her and broke the silence by saying, “I’m sorry about Dan.”
“It’s okay,” she said in a bland voice. That’s how he is all the time. You ought to get away from him.
I sat next to her and said, “I can’t.” “He is my spouse.”
Phoebe remained silent. Her face was expressionless as she gazed straight ahead. After a pause, I spoke once more. I said, “Sell me the house.”
“What?” Startled, Phoebe turned to face me.
I tried to sound calm as I continued, “You need money for your flower shop.” Sell it to me. I’ll demolish it and construct the home of my dreams. I assumed Mom would let me handle it—
“No,” she interrupted me.
“No, what do you mean?” I frowned as I asked.
“I’m not going to sell you the house. Her voice rose as she said, “Mom left it to me.”
“You did not deserve it in any way!” I lost my temper, letting my feelings run wild. “I was concerned about her. I paid her bills, gave her a bath, and fed her. When she was unable to walk, I was there. You were her favorite, so she still handed it to you!
“Katherine, you have everything!” Phoebe stood up and yelled. An excellent career, a husband, even if he’s awful, and countless options. They even offered you a job overseas! However, you are unable to choose! I have nothing. Only this house.
“And I have obligations! Do you know why I declined the position? since I was unable to abandon you! You couldn’t handle it!
“Leave!” Phoebe’s face flushed as she yelled. “I refuse to give you the house!”
“Then I’ll accept it!” I yelled and rushed off.
I wanted to leave Phoebe alone and forget about our quarrel. I did have everything, and she had been right.
If I wanted to, I could purchase another home. Dan, however, wouldn’t let it go. He insisted that I challenge the will, claiming that I was entitled to the house and that it wasn’t fair.
I couldn’t understand why it was so important to him, but I was exhausted by his perseverance.
And so it started. Lawyers, meetings with Phoebe, and long debates regarding the will—all of which seemed to be of no consequence to her. As if it didn’t matter, she shrugged her way through every encounter.
A few days before to the court date, I happened upon something unexpected one evening.
Dan had a pile of paperwork on his desk in his office, including debt notices and past-due payments.
I flipped through them and felt sick to my stomach. His debt was overwhelming him. He was lying on the bed in the bedroom when I snatched up the bundle and strode over.
“Do you want to clarify anything?” I asked sharply, holding out the documents.
Pale-faced, Dan sat up on the bed. “It’s all a misunderstanding, Katherine,” he answered hastily.
“A miscommunication?” I repeated, raising my voice. “Are you aware of your debt load? From where did all of this originate?
He avoided looking at me and brushed his hands over his face. Quietly, he murmured, “We can fix this.”
“We?” I lost my temper. Is it the reason you encouraged me to battle Phoebe for the house? in order for us to sell it and settle your debts?
Dan’s countenance shifted, revealing his dissatisfaction. “Anyway, she doesn’t deserve it!” he yelled. Our lives are being ruined by her! Every time she calls, you rush to her! And even though you were the one who took care of your mother, you didn’t even want to challenge the will!
I could feel my rage building inside of me. “Because Phoebe was unable to attend!” I responded with a shout. The sight of Mom in that state was too much for her. It broke her. Dan, where did these debts originate?
“Gambling,” he mumbled, his shoulders slumping.
“Winning at gambling?” Stunned, I repeated.
“But I’ll repay it all if we sell the house,” he responded hastily. I will permanently resign. Everything can be fixed with this.
“Like you give up alcohol?” My voice was cold as I asked.
Dan remained silent. His face was etched with guilt as he gazed at me.
“You’re not possible,” I shook my head. I grabbed my keys and turned to leave the room.
The only place I wanted to be was at Mom’s house, so I drove there. Phoebe answered the doorbell nearly instantly when I rang it.
She opened the door with a frustrated look on her face. “What?” she inquired. “Have you come to convince me once more prior to the court date?”
She stepped aside as I responded, “No,” and went inside. “Dan lost a lot of money gambling.”
Phoebe’s expression changed from one of annoyance to one of amazement. She simply took me to the backyard without saying anything. We took a seat on Mom’s favorite bench.
After a pause, Phoebe finally responded, “We can sell the house and split the money.”
I gave a headshake. “No, that is not what I’m doing. You own the house since Mom left it to you. She desired for you to possess it.
She added in a quiet but accusing tone, “But you were going to take it from me.”
I nodded as the embarrassment began to set in. During the struggle, that threat was meaningless. I now see why Dan encouraged me to follow through.
“You’re not covering his expenses?” Phoebe looked at me and inquired.
“No,” I firmly answered. “You are the only person I would give up everything for.”
Phoebe stared at the ground in silence. She paused before speaking. I apologize for shouting at you. I’ve always thought of myself as being in your shadow. Katherine that, Katherine this. I was just the strange, humorous girl.
“Just like Mom,” I grinned.
“Yes,” she said, a faint smile appearing on her face.
“I understand that seeing her in that state was too traumatic for you to assist. Mom was often talking about you because she knew it too. She was more in love with you. I acknowledged that’s why I always felt like I was in your shadow.
Phoebe chuckled quietly. “It appears that Mom ought to have enrolled in parenting classes prior to having children.”
I shared her laughter.
“So, after a pause, what will you do?” she said.
I suggested, “Take that job overseas, leave Dan, and give you money for your flower shop.”
I turned to face Phoebe when she said, “Katherine.”
“Yes?” I inquired.
“I’ll be all right. You will, too,” she added.
“Yeah, I know,” I said, embracing her tightly.
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