Grace Washington wanted a better life for her daughter, Daria. She pushed Daria to excel academically, in sports, and in music, aiming for a brighter future.
Everything changed when 16-year-old Daria revealed she was pregnant. “Mom,” she said, “I’m pregnant.”
“PREGNANT!” Grace shouted angrily. “You want to ruin your life? I was a teenage mother, and my life is hell.”
“Mama, I can finish school and go to college. There are programs,” Daria said nervously.
“No buts, Daria. You’re giving the baby up for adoption. You have a scholarship to Juilliard. You won’t have a future with a baby.”
Daria cried, “I want my baby!”
“You don’t know what you want,” Grace insisted. “You’re giving the baby to a good family.”
Daria signed the adoption papers when her baby was born. She went to college, but the pain of losing her baby lingered. At night, she would whisper the baby’s name, “Melody,” to herself.
By 26, Daria was a successful soloist traveling the world. At 34, she married Robert and hoped for a family, but struggled with infertility despite various treatments.
“God is punishing me,” Daria said bitterly. “I gave away His gift.”
“Calm down,” Grace replied. “You have a wonderful life.”
“I had a baby, mama, and I wanted her. You made me give her away!” Daria sobbed.
“It was for your own good!” Grace retorted. “I was turned out when I was pregnant with you.”
“LUCKY? You could have helped me!” Daria cried.
That night, Grace reflected on her actions. Two months later, she invited Daria to lunch. At the restaurant, Grace introduced Daria to a young woman with a familiar smile.
“This is Brianne,” Grace said. “She’s your daughter.”
“My daughter…” Daria whispered, seeing the resemblance.
Brianne smiled. “I’ve wanted to meet you. I have a good life with my parents, but I’ve always wanted to meet you.”
“I love you so much,” Daria said, tears in her eyes.
“I know,” Brianne said. “We’re together now. You can be a motherly friend.”
“You play the violin too?” Daria asked, laughing and crying. “You get that from me…”
That afternoon, Daria and Brianne reconnected, and Grace found peace. Six months later, Daria discovered she was pregnant again, her life having come full circle.
