Part 1: The Morning My Son Begged Me Not to Go

Mommy. No!” he cried. “Please don’t make me go!”

I blinked, confused. “Go where?”

“Daycare!” he sobbed, the word breaking in half as it left his mouth. “Please don’t make me!”

I gathered him into my arms and rocked him until his breathing slowed. I whispered reassurances that felt thin even as I said them. Maybe it was a nightmare, I told myself. Maybe continue reading …