My Mother-in-Law Left a Blue Notebook in Our Hallway Closet—After My Son Was Born, I Finally Learned What She Had Been Recording Inside It

That was not a request for access to Thomas.

It was an admission.

Later, when she did ask:

“Will I ever be his grandmother?”

I said:

“You already are biologically.”

She looked confused.

“I’m asking whether I can know him.”