When my father passed away, I inherited not only grief but also his home — a gift that quickly became a burden. His wife, my stepmother, still lived there, and I had to choose between letting her stay or taking on the taxes and repairs myself.

My dad had left her $12,000, so I asked her to contribute to rent or move in with her son. She burst into tears, accusing me of cruelty. No compromise satisfied her, and when she finally moved out, she cut me off completely. For years, guilt stayed with me.

Then one day, she called. Her voice was softer, older. She asked to meet and handed me an envelope. Inside was a letter from my father I’d never seen, thanking me for always protecting him and hoping I’d find peace with her. She added her own note: “I’m ready to let go.”

In that moment, forgiveness finally found us both.