The custody proceeding took time.

There were forms, meetings, and questions about the household.

A social worker asked how I managed the stairs with my prosthesis, and I showed her the safety modifications I’d made.

She asked about my employment plans, my mother, our backup care, and the girls’ appointments.

I tried not to hear every practical question as an accusation.

Eventually temporary arrangements gave way to a more durable custody order, with the girls’ best interests and each parent’s obligations addressed through the court.