“I just wanted to let you know,” she said quietly,
“the front row is reserved for biological mothers only.”
“I hope you understand.”
I hadn’t expected that.
Still, I kept my composure.
“Of course,” I replied. “I understand.”
I moved to a seat near the back, holding my gift tightly and focusing on my breathing.
This day was about Nathan, I reminded myself.
Not about me.
The music began.
Nathan stepped forward… then stopped.
He turned around and searched the room until his eyes met mine.
“I need to say something before this continues,” he said, his voice carrying through the space.
“I wouldn’t be standing here today if someone hadn’t chosen to stay when they didn’t have to.”
He walked toward me and held out his hand.
“You’re not sitting in the back,” he said.
“You raised me. You stayed.”
