I Chose My Bachelorette Party Over My Sick Stepdad, and the Consequences Were Truly Harsh
My stepdad and I were never close, and he never treated me like family. Just before my bachelorette trip, Mom called: “Your father’s in the hospital. He’s dying. You should cancel and come here to help me.” I snapped, “He’s your husband — your duty.” Then I flew out.
The next morning, I pulled back the curtains of my beachside suite and froze. There stood a sleek white yacht anchored just offshore — his yacht. The one he guarded like treasure, never let me near, always said was “not for kids.”
It had a new name painted across the side: “Second Chance.” And underneath it, in gold letters: “For L. — My Daughter, Always.”
Later that morning, the hotel concierge handed me an envelope. Inside was the boat’s title and a handwritten note: “I know I wasn’t good at showing it, but I loved you. I’m sorry for all the times I made you feel like an outsider. I hope this boat gives you the freedom I never could. Love, Dad.”
He died that very morning. While I was here — on vacation, celebrating. I never said goodbye. I never even gave him a chance.
Now, I can’t stop replaying it in my mind. I thought I didn’t matter to him, but clearly, I did. And yet, I treated his final moments like they were someone else’s problem.
The guilt is overwhelming. I’m ashamed of how I acted. The worst part? My mom won’t even talk to me now.
I don’t know how to fix this. I’m not sure if I deserve forgiveness. Have you ever made a mistake like this? What would you do if you were in my shoes? Is there any way to heal or help my mom forgive me?
