The first draft was too complicated.

Mark described debt, lenders, poor business judgments, and differences between spouses.

The counselor suggested he keep the focus on the promises that mattered to a child.

Mark rewrote it in his own handwriting.

It was three short paragraphs.

He told Tommy that the divorce was an adult decision, not something Tommy had caused or could fix.

He said he was sorry for missed visits and would work to be more reliable.

He ended by saying that he loved him and wanted to know about his days, not just his grades or achievements.