Rylan’s wedding to Lacey was a joyful affair, with tears flowing before the vows. The most poignant moment came when Rylan danced with my mom, her barefoot in a black dress, wheeled gently to the center. The room hushed as they shared a quiet laugh, her hand on his chest. After, she whispered something, leaving him stunned. The next morning, he skipped brunch to visit her, staying all day. Two days later, I found a manila envelope at Mom’s with Rylan’s name, containing Dad’s will and a letter. It revealed Dad’s secret: he’d quietly funded
struggling families and students, leaving a trust for Rylan to continue this work. Mom explained Dad hid it, thinking I wasn’t ready. Rylan, inspired, began using the fund to help others, while I volunteered teaching art to kids. Mom joined a charity board. United, we honored Dad’s legacy of kindness, finding purpose in giving. At a family dinner, we toasted to Dad, realizing his lessons shaped us to live and love better.
