I Raised My Best Friend’s Daughter After She Died — What She Said on Her 18th Birthday Changed Everything

I grew up without a family, so I learned early that love can disappear without warning. That’s why, when my best friend Lila died suddenly and left behind her five-year-old daughter, Miranda, I didn’t hesitate. I stepped in, signed the papers, and promised myself I would never let that child feel abandoned. For thirteen years, I gave her everything I...