Being a working parent means juggling everything and praying you’re doing enough. But when my boss told me my daughter would “get over” me missing her birthday, something in me changed.
Rachel’s letter:
My boss scheduled a mandatory meeting for 7 AM on Saturday.
When I reminded him it was my daughter’s sixth birthday, he shrugged. “She won’t remember. The client will.”
I didn’t argue.
That night I stayed up decorating—balloons, streamers, her favorite princess theme. I baked her cake, planned a treasure hunt, and wrote her a letter telling her how proud I am. I wanted her to wake up feeling cherished.
At 6:45 AM, I walked into the office carrying a cupcake with a candle and set it on my boss’s desk.
“This is from Emma’s party,” I said calmly. “I’ll finish my part by eight, then I’m going home to my daughter.”
He just stared.
I did my work and left at exactly 8.
I made it home before breakfast was over. When Emma saw me with her favorite donuts, she screamed “Mommy!” and threw her arms around me.
I don’t regret it.
But my boss hasn’t spoken to me since. Some coworkers say I embarrassed him.
Now I’m scared of what happens next.
Did I go too far—or finally stand up for what matters most?
