As I pulled into my ex-wife’s driveway, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. This was once our home, filled with laughter and memories. Now, it’s a reminder of how much has changed.
My kids, Sarah and Jack, were sitting out front, fundraising with a table full of cookies and toys. I was proud to see them taking initiative, but their goal broke my heart – they were raising money to buy a new daddy.
Their misunderstanding shook me to my core. They thought I was “sick in the head” and that’s why I didn’t live with them anymore. My ex-wife, Goldie, and I exchanged horrified glances, realizing we’d failed to explain our divorce in a way they could understand.
We spent the evening clarifying that I wasn’t going away forever, that I would always be their daddy, and that our love for them wouldn’t change. We hugged our tearful children, regretting the pain we’d caused.
In that moment, I realized that divorce isn’t just about two people; it’s about the little ones caught in the middle. We must find a way to mend the pieces and create a new normal, one that still overflows with love.
As we moved forward, we found ways to co-parent and make our new reality work. We sold cookies to help others, and our kids found joy in giving back. Though our family looked different, our love remained strong.
I learned that sometimes, love isn’t enough to keep two people together, but it’s always enough to guide us in putting our children first. And in the end, that’s all that truly matters.
