Garrett’s future was not something I could decide by staring at my sleeping babies.

I did not know whether he would learn to ask about them with the same interest.

I did not know whether the second toy would become an ordinary habit or remain a gesture someone had to notice because it was so unusual.

The records of his conduct would be handled through the appropriate arrangements.

I would supply information, follow the orders, and seek changes when facts justified them.

I could protect the children without pretending I could predict every year ahead.