Inside the envelope was a letter Dale had written several months before his death. He explained that he had arranged his finances carefully because he wanted me to remain independent. Alongside the letter were documents showing that our small house had been paid off and that I had savings in an account I had almost forgotten about. There was also a note reminding me never to let anyone make me feel that I was a burden.
I sat at the kitchen table and cried. Dale had always understood how important independence was to me. The following morning, I called my old friend Margaret, who worked in real estate. I explained my situation and asked whether she knew of a small apartment I could afford. She listened quietly before asking one question: “Have you told Michelle that you have other options?”
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