My Daughter Told Me Not to Attend Her Wedding Because I Would Embarrass Her—But When the Groom Saw Me Holding a Pearl Locket, He Walked Away From the Altar

“I understand.”

Pause.

“You’re not angry?”

I looked toward the photograph on my table.

“I’m hurt, Lauren.”

She began crying.

I hated that sound.

But I didn’t take the words back.

“I know.”

“Do you?”

“Yes.”

“Then I hope you understand that you’re asking me to miss something I have looked forward to since you were a child.”

“I know.”

I waited.