A “Thoughtful” Birthday Gift, an ER Visit, and the Custody Papers Waiting in the Hallway

The morning of my daughter’s 11th birthday began the way I hoped it would. Not perfect, not picture-book flawless, but warm in the way that matters. There were balloons bobbing against the ceiling, a chocolate cake that leaned slightly to one side because I rushed the frosting, and the sound of children laughing so loudly it made the windows tremble.continue reading …