Thank you so much for this, Karen. How kind of you.
It was disheartening for me to learn just today that he actually “quizzed” my oldest on his feelings about my writing, asking whether any of it’s true, putting him on the spot.
I was both disappointed and yet not surprised to learn that somehow he’s out there reading, or being read to, and still feeling as though he’s not responsible for any oversights as a parent.

He does send holiday gifts, though they are (in my kids’ words, not mine) lacking thought or insight into who the kids are or where they are in life. I tend to think that’s something lots of people do, not just him, so I shrug and make an apology for him. I encourage the kids to give hints or send lists. I cannot fix it like I did when I shopped on his behalf.
So thank you for buoying me, for reminding me that while yes, I cannot shield them from hurt, I can love them and give them my heart each day, to the best of my ability. That’s how we continue to build our family.
Thank you for reminding me that that is indeed enough.