When Laurel was seventeen and pregnant, her parents made it crystal-clear that having her around embarrassed them.

Then, when Laurel decided to keep Charlie, her baby boy, she found herself on her own.

Being cast aside by her own parents was painful, but she didn’t have much time or energy to do anything other than let resentment and hatred for them grow in her heart.

Years passed. Laurel told herself that she didn’t care; she was done with her parents. Until last year, she meant it.

Last year, six year-old Charlie’s piano teacher invited them to church. That was the beginning of a whole new way of life for Laurel and Charlie. They were both baptized into Christ a few months later.

Knowing the joy of God’s forgiveness and knowing she has a responsibility to look like Christ made Laurel realize she had to forgive her parents and attempt to reconcile with them. They had never even seen their grandson. They didn’t know he was a gifted musician or that she was a nurse.

It was awkward at first, but the obvious love Laurel and Charlie have in their hearts for each other and for the Lord couldn’t be denied. Now, Laurel hopes she can help her parents realize how wonderful it is to be part of God’s family, too.