Chapter 23 - Dad and Noah
Dad did not see Noah privately for almost a year.
Not court order.
My decision.
Noah did not ask.
Then Dad sent a letter.
Not about his case.
About the party.
Noah,
I made fun of you for being sensitive before your birthday.
I said boys should learn to laugh when people mess with them.
Those comments helped make Emma think hurting your feelings would be funny.
I did not tell her to destroy your cake. I still helped create the attitude around it.
There.
I am sorry.
Noah read.
Then asked:
“Did Grandpa go to jail?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Court decided different consequences were appropriate.”
“Does he still have money?”
“Yes.”
Children’s justice is deeply asset-based.
Then:
“Can he come to my soccer game?”
“Do you want him?”
“Yes.”
Dad came.
No big reunion.
No financial talk.
No expensive gift.
He brought a folding chair.
After Noah missed a goal, Dad opened his mouth.
I watched.
He said:
“Good try.”
That was all.
No:
Toughen up.
No:
Don’t cry.
No:
May you like
Real boys.
New evidence.
