My name is James. When I was born, people told my mom, Grace, that raising a child alone would be too hard for her. She didn’t argue. She simply signed the papers, held me close, prayed quietly, and went home. Grace signed up for parenting classes, found community childcare, and never missed a school meeting or doctor visit.

When rides fell through, she asked neighbors for help and always paid it back with kindness and effort. She kept learning new skills so we could have stability, trusting God one step at a time. I watched her show up every single day—tired, smiling, determined. Last year, she sat in the front row as I received my white coat. That moment belonged to both of us. She didn’t just raise a son. Through faith and love, she built a future.