That that day, Cassandra blocked Lily on social media. Later, Mark apologised over the phone for his wife’s actions, but the harm had already been done.

Next to a photo of my mother teaching me to sew when I was eight years old, I framed Lily’s prom photo and displayed it in our hallway. When I see both images every morning before I leave for work, I am reminded that some things are not purchaseable.

In three months, Lily will begin college. “The best things in life are made with love, not money!” she told me, which is why she is bringing the garment with her—not for parties.

And me? I’m considering picking up sewing once more. It turns out that the value of making something beautiful by hand is more than any price tag could possibly convey.

Because love is not something that can be bought. One meticulous thread at a time, you piece it together until it fits precisely around the individuals who are most important.