gifts, and love. They pulled up chairs and made it clear: I was being celebrated today. Donna tried to mask her shock. My dad simply said, “Being a mom isn’t about how long you’ve held the title—it’s about showing up.” For the first time,

Ryan looked at me with something like realization. He whispered “Happy Mother’s Day” as we left. Too late—but maybe not useless. That day, I learned a powerful truth: I am a mother. New, yes. But no less worthy. Next year? I won’t ask for a seat at the table. I’ll set it myself.