I Raised My Best Friend’s Orphaned Son for 12 Years-Then My Wife Showed Me What He’d Been Secretly Writing

to read the first page.”

Confused, I opened the notebook.

The handwriting inside was messy, the way children write when they are trying to hide their emotions.

At the top of the first page were words that made my chest tighten instantly.

Dear Mom.

My hands froze.

The next line made my heart stop.

I know you’re gone, but I still continue reading …