Midway through the night, the music softened. A spotlight found us. The principal spoke about a mother who sacrificed her youth to raise a child with strength and love. The room erupted in applause. People stood. My mother covered her face, overwhelmed. In that moment, she wasn’t someone who missed out—she was someone being honored.

Later, when Brianna complained, my stepfather reminded her that kindness matters more than attention. An apology followed. The photos from that night now hang in our living room—a reminder that sacrifice deserves celebration, and love never goes unnoticed.