They insisted I participate.

I stumbled over the first rope, and they cheered as though I had just won a championship.

I joined their laughter.

It felt better than any applause I had imagined at Lorraine’s Christmas dinner.

PART 21

A Father’s First School Meeting

At the end of the school year, Terrence asked whether he could attend the children’s presentation day.

I checked with their teacher, the children, and our counselor before agreeing.