When Michael, my husband, was dying, he made me promise two things: to keep living for our son Noah, and to never tell him about a $400,000 savings account in both our names—until he was ready. After Michael passed, I honored that promise. Though it hurt to watch Noah struggle—riding a bike to work, sewing up his own jeans—I saw what Michael had meant.

Hardship shaped Noah into a man of quiet strength and deep kindness. Years later, when Noah earned a full scholarship and graduated with honors, I gave him the savings book.