Tim made a heartfelt promise to his niece, Megan, when she was just a child: he would buy her wedding dress someday.

Nearly two decades later, that promise resurfaced, but what should have been a moment of joy quickly turned into a shocking revelation that shattered their bond.

Promises are powerful. They are a way of showing love and commitment to someone we care about. I made one to my niece, Megan, when she was just 10 years old.

It was right after her parents passed away in a car accident.She was left heartbroken and scared. I didn’t have kids of my own, so I stepped up and did my best to be there for her.