I still remember the words I said—because they’re the ones that broke the bond between me and my son.
“I think she’s taking advantage of you,” I told him, my voice sharper than it should have been. “She came into your life with a lot of responsibilities, and I’m worried you’re carrying more than you realize. Are you sure this is what you want?”
Looking back, it wasn’t just what I said—it was how I said it. And in that moment, I didn’t realize those words would push him away in ways I couldn’t undo.