My mother's antiques
are disappearing

Dear Tita,

When my mother was still alive, she had the most beautiful collection of antiques, objects d'art, furniture and even jewelry which she inherited from her grandmother.

Everyone who visited our home was so impressed with her collection and the way she took care of them. She taught us how to appreciate beauty and fine workmanship. She was a real lady from the way she talked, dressed and the way she treated people. How I idolized her and everything that she was.

One day my mother had a stroke and had to be rushed to the hospital. The stroke was so severe that she died before the doctors could save her. We were crushed when we learned she was gone. My father could hardly believe it and he sank into such a deep depression, that we worried about him. The house seemed so empty and cold after my mother's death. Two years later, my father went to Manila on a business trip and when he came back, he looked happier and seemed full of life. We found out that he met a woman who captured his attention. It wasn't long before he began visiting her often until the day came when he told us he was going to marry her. We had mixed feelings about his new wife as she was the exact opposite of our mother. But we tried our best to get along with her as we saw how happy our father was.

In the meantime, I had gotten married and moved out of my father's house to live with my husband. Every time I visited the house, I would feel bad as I saw how neglected my mother's things were. My stepmother does not appreciate antiques and soon I found out that she was giving some of my mother's things to her relatives and friends. My sisters and I are alarmed at what is happening but it seems that our father is somewhat ‘under-the-saya', so we can't ask him to stop his willful wife.

We don't want to cause trouble between them. What should we do? How can we save our mother's precious things?

CONCERNED DAUGHTER

Dear Concerned Daughter,

Even if your father seems to be totally under the control of your stepmother, I suggest that you and your siblings should talk to him and ask him to give your mother's things to you, her children. He should have done this when he got married so his new wife could buy her own things as it is obvious how she does not appreciate antiques. Make her understand that these things have a deep sentimental value to you as it was your dear mother's collection. I know how hard it must be for you to see another woman take your mother's place, but that is your father's choice and you must respect it. It's a pity your late mother did not leave a Last Will and Testament about her precious possessions. It could have saved all this aggravation.

TITA

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