We didn’t become a perfect family overnight. There were still awkward moments, a few uncomfortable jokes that needed gentle correction. But we were learning — together.
And one evening, when I found Mark restocking the bathroom cabinet with pads and heating pads, I couldn’t help but smile.
“Right,” I said, laughing softly.
Emily’s laughter drifted down the hall, light and unburdened.
And in that moment, I realized — we hadn’t just helped her grow up.
We’d all grown, too.
