We can’t control every tragedy, and we can’t always shield ourselves from the brokenness of the world. But we can control how much of that burden we put on our children — and on ourselves.

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.