I always knew my mom’s belongings would one day cause problems—not because of their value, but because they were pieces of her. My mother died when I was 12, and now at 26, I’ve guarded her jewelry, wedding ring, and watch as if they were sacred. Sadly, I never thought my dad would be the one to ask me to give them away.

When I was 15, he handed me all of Mom’s things after his then-girlfriend tried stealing from her jewelry box. I even caught my aunt stuffing Mom’s pearl pendant into her purse. After that, Dad told me Mom always wanted me to have her belongings. I took them to my grandparents’ house, knowing they’d be safer there.

Years later, Dad married Rhoda, and they had five kids. Two weeks before their wedding, he sat me down for a “favor.” He wanted to give Mom’s Claddagh ring to Rhoda, her wedding necklace to Lynn, and a bracelet to Sophia. Worst of all, he suggested Rhoda should wear Mom’s wedding ring, once my grandmother’s, to feel like his “one and only.” He even asked me to give her Mom’s watch as a wedding gift. My answer was instant: “No.”

He tried convincing me it would unite the family, but I reminded him Mom’s wishes were clear—her things were mine. Soon after, Rhoda called, questioning what kind of “daughter” or “sister” I was being. I told her plainly: “You’re 38, I’m 26. Don’t use those words with me.”

On their wedding day, I handed Rhoda a small box. She smiled, expecting jewelry—until she found old cleaning rags my mom had used in the kitchen.

I leaned in and said, “You wanted something of hers to feel part of the family. Here you go.” Then I walked out, laughing, knowing Mom would’ve been proud.