“You’re going away without the family?” he asked.

I told him yes, Ruth and I were going together.

He looked as though he wanted to object, then laughed and asked if I’d bring back saltwater taffy for the children.

“If I find some,” I replied.

It was such an easy exchange that I almost missed its importance.

My plans did not require approval.

His children could still be part of my thoughts without being the center of every decision.

At home I cleared out a closet filled with spare linens, holiday decorations, and old paperwork from the years when Daniel regularly came over to discuss bills.