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A Lifeline in a Voicemail
She didn’t have much money. But what she gave me was far more valuable: unshakable belief.
I saved those messages. Played them on the nights when exhaustion turned to tears. They were my lifeline.
My Wedding, Their Spotlight
At 34, I married Ellis—a kind, steady man who saw me for who I really was.
On my wedding day, I hoped maybe—just maybe—my parents would finally see me too.
But they beamed at Deacon. Took photos with him. Told stories of his “growth.” He hadn’t helped plan a thing. But as usual, he basked in the spotlight.
I stood quietly. Swallowed it. Until it was time for my speech.
