Children were doing their best to make their lives understandable.

The adults needed to do better at keeping them out of the struggle.

A month after our restaurant meeting, Garrett’s attorney proposed a structured payment plan while the arrears were being reviewed.

My lawyer explained the terms and asked me to think carefully.

I didn’t agree to forgive the past or exchange Liam’s rights for a promise.

Instead we negotiated a plan that could be documented and, if approved, enforced.