When my mother-in-law gifted our adopted daughter a giant stuffed elephant, I thought she was finally trying to connect with her. But then I discovered something horrifying hidden inside that toy—papers filled with hateful messages about our adoption.

My name is Jessica, and my husband Ethan and I adopted our daughter Emma about a year ago. From the start, Ethan’s mom, Carol, was distant and cold, making it clear she didn’t accept Emma.

On Emma’s fourth birthday, Carol gave her this enormous stuffed elephant. Emma loved it, but I noticed it felt unusually heavyan d it had a strange smell. One night, when Ethan was working late, I carefully cut open the toy and found old adoption papers hidden inside, covered with cruel notes like “Not real family” and “She’ll never be yours.”

I was furious and heartbroken. I couldn’t let that hateful message remain in our home, so I burned the elephant right away. When Ethan found out, he cut all ties with his mother. Despite Carol’s hatred, Emma is our daughter in every way that matters. I’ll do anything to protect her blood doesn’t define family.