My mom left when I was 3 to “start a new life.” Growing up, it was just me and Dad. He worked himself to the bone to keep us afloat, and I always told myself I didn’t miss her because I didn’t even remember her. But somewhere deep down, I carried this ache. Every birthday, every school recital, I’d imagine her in the crowd, smiling.

Fast forward twenty years. I’m 23, sitting in my tiny apartment, when there’s a knock at the door. I open it, and there she is. My mom. Older, thinner, eyes red and swollen. She bursts into tears and says she wants “to make up for lost time.”

I was in shock. I called Dad, and when he heard, his voice cracked: “Please, Lily… don’t let her back in. She’ll only hurt you again.” But I couldn’t help it. I needed to know her. I needed something. So I let her move in.

For three days, it felt like the missing puzzle piece of my life had finally been found. We stayed up late talking, she asked me everything about my childhood, my dreams, my favorite foods. She laughed when I burned dinner and hugged me like she’d never let go. For the first time, I felt like I had a mom.

On the fourth morning, I woke up to silence. Her things were gone. My heart dropped. I searched the apartment, panicked, until I walked into the kitchen—and froze. On the table was a huge bouquet of lilies. My name is Lily. She had chosen it for me. Beside the flowers was a folded letter.

In her handwriting, she said those three days were the happiest of her life. She thanked me for giving her a chance, told me she was terminally ill, and that this had been her last gift to herself—to know me. She wrote that she didn’t want me to see her illness consume her, but she could leave this world peacefully, knowing I had grown into a kind, loving woman she was proud of. She ended the letter with three words: I love you.

I sat at that table and sobbed. I had no way to reach her, no closure beyond that letter. But in those fleeting days, I learned something I’ll never forget: forgiveness and kindness are the most powerful gifts we can give.

Note: This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only.