As the sun warmed our backs, Lily and I arrived at Melissa’s family’s Fourth of July barbecue. The moment felt monumental—after years of pain and healing, Lily, now fifteen, stood tall in a summer dress with her facial scar fully visible. Three years ago, she had shattered a mirror in shame. Now she was done hiding, and her quiet strength filled me with a pride I hadn’t known before. The afternoon started well. Lily engaged with Melissa’s cousins and even laughed, and I allowed myself a flicker of hope….CONTINUE READING IN BELOW