My Selfish Sister Stayed by Mom’s Side When She Fell Ill, but Everything Changed after the Doctor Shared Mom’s Last Words – Story of the Day

When Mom fell ill, my sister suddenly became the perfect daughter. She moved in with Mom and kept me away, claiming she was taking care of everything. But I knew my sister too well. Her motives were never pure. I couldn’t stop her, but everything changed when the doctor gave me Mom’s final note.

I never understood how such different children could grow up in the same family. Not until my sister and I became adults. Our mom raised us by herself, and the older I got, the more I realized how hard it was for her.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I remember the tiny apartment we lived in when I was little. It was always cold in the winter, and I could hear the wind whistling through the cracks in the windows. Mom worked two jobs just to keep a roof over our heads, but it was never enough.

Sometimes, there wasn’t much food in the house. I still remember the nights when our neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, brought us dinner.

She would kindly smile as she handed over a steaming pot of soup or a plate of pasta.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I didn’t understand back then how much it meant. I only knew that I wasn’t hungry anymore.

But I noticed how Mom never ate with us. She would sit quietly, pretending she wasn’t hungry, but I knew the truth.

She gave everything she had to us. Over time, though, things got better. Mom found a better job, and slowly, we climbed out of poverty.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

She saved enough to move us into a nicer house, and eventually, Samira and I went to college.

But Samira didn’t remember those hard times the way I did. She was too young to understand the struggles Mom faced.

Maybe that’s why she turned out the way she did. How should I put it? A little selfish and carefree.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Even after she finished college, she didn’t want to work. She kept asking Mom for money and spent it like it would never run out.

But things took a turn for the worse. One day, Mom called me and asked me to come over.

“Is everything okay?” I asked.

“Yes, yes, I just need to talk to you,” Mom replied.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Her words echoed in my head as I drove to her house after work. I felt uneasy. Mom never called me like that. When I arrived, the front door was open, so I walked in.

“Mom?” I called out.

“I’m in the kitchen, honey,” she called back.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I walked in and saw her sitting at the table with a cup of tea. Her hands rested on the table, but they looked tired. Her eyes, usually bright, seemed dull.

“What happened? What did you want to talk about?” I asked as I sat down.

Mom took a deep breath. “I went to the doctor today. Unfortunately, I have bad news,” she said softly.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

My heart pounded. “Why? What’s wrong?”

“My heart,” Mom said quietly. “They gave me a year, at best.”

The words hit me like a brick. “Isn’t there anything that can be done? I’ll pay whatever it takes, just tell me,” I said, my voice shaking.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“A year is the most I’ll get with treatment. Without it, I might not even make it two months,” Mom said.

“No, no, this can’t be true,” I whispered. Tears filled my eyes.

“But it’s true,” Mom said. “It looks like all the stress and overwork didn’t do me any good.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I couldn’t hold back, so I moved closer and hugged her. “We’ll get through this, Mom. I’ll be here with you.”

“I know,” Mom said softly, stroking my hair like she used to when I was little. “Just don’t tell Samira anything for now.”

“Why not? She’ll keep asking you for money when you need it for treatment,” I said.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“She’s living off her new boyfriend right now, so we can be calm for a while,” Mom replied.

I shook my head. “This is wrong.”

“I’ll tell her myself when the time is right,” Mom said.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Mom told Samira everything a month after our conversation. Samira had come over to ask for money again after breaking up with her boyfriend.

After talking to Mom, Samira came straight to me. She didn’t even knock. She walked in like she owned the place and sat on my couch.

“I don’t want you visiting Mom,” Samira said.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Are you out of your mind? Mom is sick. I’ll visit her. Someone needs to help her,” I said. I couldn’t believe she was saying this.

“I know why you’re so concerned about her — to get all her inheritance for yourself. But that won’t happen,” Samira said.

“Are you serious? I don’t care about the money. I want to help Mom,” I said. “Or are you judging everyone by yourself?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Samira rolled her eyes. “I know that’s not true. Mom always loved me more because she gave me more money. So now, you want to get something after she’s gone,” she said.

“That’s so stupid if that’s really what you think. I’ll keep visiting Mom. Someone needs to help her,” I said firmly.

“Don’t worry about that. I’ve already planned everything. I’m moving in with Mom and taking care of her,” Samira said.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“You? Since when are you so caring? You’ve never cared about anyone but yourself,” I said.

“That’s not true. I’ve always cared about Mom, and now she needs me. So don’t even try coming over. I won’t let you in,” Samira said.

She stood up, grabbed her bag, and left without another word. I stared at the door after she was gone.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Pexels

I couldn’t believe how selfish Samira was. I knew she was doing it for herself. Only for herself.

But as it turned out, she wasn’t joking. Samira didn’t let me see Mom, always coming up with excuses like, “Mom is sleeping,” “Mom doesn’t feel well,” or “Mom went to the doctor.”

So, I texted Mom and asked her to let me know when Samira wouldn’t be home so I could visit.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

One afternoon, Mom texted that Samira had gone to the mall and I could come over. I stopped by the grocery store to get some supplies and headed straight to Mom’s.

When I arrived, Mom was lying on the couch, watching TV. She looked tired, but her eyes lit up when she saw me.

“How are you feeling?” I asked as I stepped closer.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Not too bad. I’m managing,” Mom said with a weak smile.

“I brought you some groceries,” I said, placing the bag on the floor. “I got your favorite tea and some fresh fruit.”

“Thank you, honey,” Mom said, but her face grew serious. “Why haven’t you been visiting me? Samira said you didn’t want to because I’d become a burden.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

My heart stopped. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “She said what?!” I was outraged. “I didn’t come because Samira wouldn’t let me. She always had an excuse. As soon as I had the chance, I came,” I said.

“I see,” Mom replied.

“How is it with Samira? Does she help?” I asked.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Yes, yes. She’s by my side almost all the time. She cooks, cleans, and brings me medicine,” Mom said. “I think my illness has changed her for the better,” she added.

“Yeah, right,” I muttered under my breath. “And do you have enough money?” I asked, trying to change the subject.

“For now, yes, although Samira spends a lot. I’m afraid we won’t have enough for the medicine soon,” Mom said, her voice filled with concern.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Don’t worry about that. I’ll talk to the doctor and take care of everything,” I said firmly.

“Alright, thank you,” Mom said with a tired smile.

I stayed with her for a while longer. We talked about small things. I didn’t want to leave, but Mom said she was tired and wanted to go to bed. I helped her to her room, guiding her gently.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Nicole,” Mom softly said when she lay down. “I’ve lived a long life, and I understand everything.”

I just nodded. Her words didn’t make sense to me, but I thought she was just tired.

I put away the groceries and quietly left. But I didn’t go home. I couldn’t. I drove straight to the hospital.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I knocked on Dr. Miller’s office door, and after hearing, “Come in!” I entered.

“Hello, I’m the daughter of one of your patients, Martha…”

“Oh, you must be Nicole,” said Dr. Miller, not even letting me finish Mom’s full name. “Have a seat. Martha talked a lot about you.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I sat down across from Dr. Miller. “I want to talk about Mom’s treatment. From now on, send all the bills to me, for anything,” I said.

“I thought Samira was paying for everything,” Dr. Miller said, his eyebrows raised.

“Yes, with Mom’s money, but she spends a lot too. I don’t want Mom worrying about finances,” I said.

“Alright, we can arrange that,” Dr. Miller said with a nod.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I felt some relief knowing I could finally help Mom without interference. But I knew this was just the beginning.

When I started receiving the hospital bills, I was shocked by the amounts. Each bill was higher than I expected.

I couldn’t believe Mom had enough money for all of it, considering how much Samira was spending.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I wondered where the money was coming from. I knew Mom’s savings were running low.

With each passing month, Mom’s condition worsened. Her strength faded, and she spent more time in bed.

She had to be hospitalized, and I was finally able to visit her whenever I wanted. Samira couldn’t stop me from going to the hospital.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I spent every evening by Mom’s side. I read to her, held her hand, and made sure she was comfortable.

Samira watched me with resentment. Trying to win Mom’s attention, she practically moved into the hospital and never left her side. But I knew her reasons were not pure.

One evening, Samira came up to me while I was sitting with Mom. Her expression was serious.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Can we talk?” she asked.

I followed her into the hallway. I crossed my arms and waited.

“Look, Mom’s money is running out. I don’t know how much longer it’ll last,” Samira said. She avoided my eyes.

“I’m paying all the medical bills. How can the money be gone?” I asked.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Well, there are other expenses too. Groceries, utilities… I need money to live too,” Samira said. Her voice was softer now, almost like she was trying to make me feel guilty.

“That’s the problem,” I said firmly. “You spend it all on yourself. I’m not going to support you.” I turned and went back into Mom’s room.

A few days after that conversation, I got a call from the hospital. My heart sank as I answered. Mom was gone.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I was devastated. I rushed to the hospital, my hands trembling. When I arrived, Samira and her lawyer were already there.

“Since I took care of Mom, all the inheritance goes to me,” Samira said instead of greeting me. Then, her lawyer handed me a will.

I shoved the will back into his hands. “Mom just died, and you’re thinking about money?!” I yelled at Samira.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“I don’t want any conflicts later,” she said, her tone flat.

“You’re unbelievable,” I said and walked away.

I went straight to Dr. Miller’s office. As soon as he saw me, his serious expression softened.

“I’m so sorry. Your mother loved you more than anyone,” he said gently.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Thank you,” I replied, barely holding back tears.

“Before she passed, your mom gave me something to give you,” Dr. Miller said. He took an envelope out of his drawer and handed it to me. Mom’s handwriting on the envelope read: “For My True Daughter.”

“Do you mind if I step outside to read this?” I asked.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I stepped out of his office and sat on one of the chairs in the hallway. My hands were shaking as I held the envelope.

I took a deep breath and opened it. Inside was a will. I read through it carefully, and my heart pounded.

It was more recent than the one Samira had, and it was valid. Mom had left everything to me.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

There was also an account I didn’t know about. The balance was more than I had ever imagined. She had thought of everything.

A small note was attached to the will. I recognized Mom’s handwriting instantly.

I told you I understand everything. I can see real care and distinguish it from selfish motives. That’s why I’m leaving everything to you, Nicole.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

I hope you keep that kindness and humanity in your heart. I love you, Mom.

Tears filled my eyes as I read her words. I covered my face and cried. Even after her death, Mom had protected me.

I felt a wave of gratitude. I didn’t know what lay ahead, but I was certain I would honor Mom’s memory. I would live how she had lived — with love, kindness, and strength.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

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A baby girl who ‘never stops smiling’ is living with a rare skin condition that makes her skin crack

Those nine months a mom carries her baby are filled with joy, anticipation, and a dose of uncertainty. What the new parents hope for is their bundle of joy to be healthy. Sadly, that is not always the case.

Jennie Wilklow, from Highland, New York, couldn’t wait to meet her daughter. She and her husband were over the moon to hold her in their arms. All the ultrasounds and doctor’s appointment suggested the baby was healthy, so they were eased and never thought sweet Anna would be born with a condition that would change all of their lives forever.

Jennie delivered Anna via C-section at 34 weeks. Doctors told her she looked beautiful and that was all Jennie needed to hear at that point.

Shortly after, the proud mom heard her daughter cry, and that was just another sign that everything was right with her little jewel.

When her husband visited Jennie, he was strangely silent and looked worried and puzzled.

“My husband’s silence scared me; he just sat in shock as the doctor left, and I prodded for more info,” Jennie shared with Cafe Mom.

“He just kept saying, ‘It’s bad.’ What does that even mean? I thought in my head. He told me, ‘Jennie, I looked in her eyes, and she has the most beautiful soul.’”

Anna was diagnosed with harlequin ichthyosis, a rare condition that causes thick diamond-shaped plates that are separated by deep cracks. “As they tried frantically to help her, her skin hardened within seconds (of birth). After hardening, it began to split, causing open wounds all over her body,” Jennie told Cafe Mom.

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Although doctors weren’t sure she would survive, Anna beat the odds and is thriving. “She was beauty in the purest form,” her mom said.

There isn’t cure, and the treatment is quite demanding as it requires constant baths and keeping the skin as much moisturized as possible. “Every couple of hours I covered her with Vaseline and bathed her for many hours of the day. I had dreamed for years about the things my baby would wear, and though it seemed so trivial, it was what I struggled with most,” Jennie said.

In an attempt to raise awareness about this condition, Jennie posts photos of Anna on her Instagram page harlequindiva. She opens up about the everyday struggles and what it is like to have a child with harlequin ichthyosis.

“Anna captured everyone’s hearts because she is the purest form of perfection. Doing the work every day is simple when I’m doing it for her, and with every new accomplishment, the world celebrates with me,” Jennie told Cafe Mom.

She adds, “I now understand that I was given her because of the love I already carried in my heart for my daughter. Anna was meant for me, and I for her, and together we will show the world what true beauty is.”

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