That Tuesday morning, when my stepsister Jade called, I had no idea her request would turn into three of the toughest weeks of my life—and teach me a lesson I won’t forget.
I was sitting on the couch, gently bouncing my four-month-old son Max in my lap, when her name lit up my phone screen. We weren’t very close—raised in different homes, more family than friends—but I answered anyway.
Her voice wavered. “Amelia, I need your help. I’ve looked everywhere—stores, online, even designers—and nothing fits. I need six custom bridesmaid dresses, all different styles, and the wedding’s in three weeks. I know you’re talented. Can you help? I’ll pay you. I promise.”
That word—promise—stayed with me. My husband Rio had been working overtime, and money was tight, so this felt like both a blessing and a chance to connect with Jade.
So I said yes.
What followed was a whirlwind of late nights, endless fittings, and piles of fabric. Each bridesmaid had different tastes—from modest to glamorous—and I made every dress from scratch. I transformed my kitchen into a sewing studio, working with Max strapped to me, soothing him to sleep between stitches. More than once, I was stitching at 3 a.m., utterly exhausted.