“I know you are,” I said, kissing his forehead with all the warmth in my heart.

“You showed more courage and empathy yesterday than many adults show in their entire lifetimes, and I am proud to be your mother.”

Noah wrapped his arms around my waist, holding on tight as the morning sunlight began streaming through the frosted window above our front door.

I knew that raising a teenage boy in an imperfect world would bring many more complicated days, difficult conversations, and unexpected tests.

Yet as I walked upstairs to change into my work clothes, my heart felt lighter than it had in months.