My daughter’s words rang in my ears like a blow. I tried to hold back my tears, but inside, something inside me shattered into a thousand pieces. All those years I raised her alone, I dreamed of being there on the most important day of her life. And now? I found out about her wedding… on social media.

My daughter insisted that only they two and a few friends attended. But how was that possible? In the photos I saw, the groom’s parents were standing beside them, smiling, beaming with happiness. And I… I wasn’t there. My heart ached with pain and confusion. Why was I the one left out? Didn’t I deserve to witness her happiness with my own eyes?

I tried calling her, but she was busy preparing for the move to their new apartment. When she finally came to visit me, I was sitting in the living room, unsure of what to say. And when the door opened and I saw her, that smile—so familiar, so dear—stirred a storm of emotions inside me: “Why did you do this?”

“Mum…” she began softly, “I know you’re upset…”

“Upset?” I interrupted, trying to hold back my sobs. “I’m devastated, darling. You excluded me from your happiness? How could you?”

She lowered her eyes, and I saw her lips tremble. I could feel the storm inside her too, but why didn’t it include me?

“I wanted it to be our day, without pressure, without expectations, without tears…” she whispered. “I didn’t want to hurt you, Mum…”

But her words couldn’t soothe my pain. Sadness, shock, betrayal, and helplessness mingled inside me. I wanted to hug her, but my hands trembled. I wanted to scream, but my voice failed me. I understood she was an adult with the right to make her own choices, but my heart refused to accept this reality.

That day, we sat in silence. I tried to pull myself together, though my eyes were constantly filled with tears. She looked at me as if silently pleading for me to understand her choice.

“Mum,” she finally said, “we love you. I know I could have done things differently… But it was important that this day was ours. You’ve always been there for me, and you know how much your support means to me…”

I listened, feeling my heart tighten with pain. On one hand, I understood her need for space and moments just for her and her husband. On the other, I felt rejected, as if my role as a mother and caregiver had been erased in a single day.

A few days have passed since then. We are trying to reconnect, but every conversation feels like a delicate balance between understanding and hurt. I know she is an adult with her own life and choices. But every time I see the wedding photos, I feel a cold pang in my heart.

And now I ask myself one question: how do I continue living, knowing that the most important moment of her life happened without me? How do I maintain our relationship without letting my bitterness destroy it?

I know one thing: loving my daughter despite the pain means being there for her. Even if only in thought. Even if only over the phone. Even if my role at her wedding was erased.

But my heart still cries out: “Mum… Mum… why did this happen? Why did I find out about your wedding on the internet and not from you?”

And I am still searching for the answer.