I do not say this to drown in guilt; guilt that only wallows helps no one, least of all Hannah.

I say it because I want every parent who reads this to check the thing I failed to check.

If someone else is caring for your child, and every attempt to see that child directly is met with a smooth and reasonable excuse, do not feel relief.

Feel alarm.

The excuse that spares you worry is very often the exact thing you most need to worry about.

I learned that in a small office, too late for the seven months, but not too late for the rest of both our lives.