And just like that, the dread vanished. His excitement became my excitement. The "why" behind the whole thing was standing right in front of me…

And as I slowly pieced it together, I realized they weren't there for a welcome-back party. The doctors had told them to come and say goodbye.

It's making space. You're clearing out the dead wood to make room for something real to grow.

You do the work. You face the demons. You build the stability. You learn to be a rock for your son and for yourself.

And then you look around… and the house is quiet.