My dearest Gabriel and Grace,

I am your biological mother, and not a day has passed that I haven’t thought about you both. My parents were strict, religious people. My father was a prominent pastor in our community. When I got pregnant at 18, they were ashamed. They locked me away, refused to let me keep you, and wouldn’t let our congregation know you existed.

I had no choice but to leave you where I prayed someone kind would find you. I watched from a distance as you grew up in a home filled with the love I couldn’t give you. I sent gifts when I could, small things to help your family care for you properly.

Now I’m dying, and I have no other family left. My parents passed years ago, taking their shame with them. Everything I own, including my inheritance, my property, and my investments, I’m leaving to you and the family who raised you with such devotion.

Please forgive me for the pain I caused by giving you up. But watching you grow into such beautiful, happy children in your parents’ home, I know I made the right choice. You were always meant to be theirs.

Your mother, Suzanne