We called it a day of remembering how quickly life could change, and how fiercely we intended to care for one another.

I used to think a family was defined by whose names appeared beside yours on a birth certificate.

Now I know a family is also defined by who notices when someone is hurting, who listens, who acts, and who stays.

The promise I make to Wesley isn’t that no bad thing will ever happen to him.

No parent can promise that.

I promise he will never have to earn the right to be heard.

And when he calls for me, I will answer.