Later, while Willa colored at a children’s table, Elena stood beside me looking at a display about stars.

She asked what the board review had taught me beyond the need for stricter procedures.

The answer came easily.

“I used to think love meant providing solutions,” I said.

“Then I thought it meant making every wrong thing right.

Now I think it starts with showing up, listening, and respecting who people are even when I can’t fix everything.”

“That sounds like something you learned the hard way.”

“I did.”