And felt something inside me drop.

Inside was a large, professionally framed photo of her graduating class. Rows of smiling faces. People I’d heard stories about over the years but never met.

Across the white border were signatures. Dozens of them. Some bold, some looping, some hurried.

I found a note taped to the back.

“We missed you!

Maria told us what happened. Being a mom IS something to be proud of. You’re raising three human beings—that’s harder than any title we have.

Come next time. We’ll save you a seat.”

My chest tightened.

Maria.

Her best friend from high school. The one who became a surgeon. The one I had casually pointed to as an example of “real success” without thinking.

I sat there staring at that photo.