I sat beside him and explained that our financial responsibilities belonged to the adults, not to him. He listened carefully before revealing that he had already called Ruth to ask whether he could arrive early.
As we talked, I finally understood why he had originally requested one additional month. He had remembered the doctor’s estimate for my recovery and wanted to remain long enough to help me before accepting what he believed was an unavoidable departure.
“I didn’t want to leave while you were still hurting, Mom. I thought you wouldn’t need me as much once you got better.”
I held him as he quietly cried, apologizing for making our lives more difficult. His words made me realize that reassurance alone would never repair the damage caused by Grant and Marilyn.
The following morning, I arranged for Eli to spend time with Nina’s family and invited my husband and mother-in-law to the kitchen table. I had prepared a new financial plan, but I was also ready to make a decision neither of them expected.
