Eli’s words caught me off guard. In that moment, he had defended me and referred to me as “dad.” The sting of the earlier comment was quickly replaced by a sense of warmth and acceptance. It felt like a small victory, a sign that I was starting to earn a place in Eli’s life.
I took a deep breath, put on a smile, and handed out the slushies. Eli’s grateful smile in return was a comforting reminder of the day’s progress. As we continued, Eli stayed closer to me, sharing jokes and asking for my opinions on which rides to try next. At the bumper cars, Eli playfully bumped into my car, and we laughed together, enjoying the fun and feeling a natural sense of ease.
As the day came to a close and we walked toward the park exit, Eli took my hand in his. The simple gesture was profound, signaling a shift in our relationship. That small, yet significant moment felt like a promise of new beginnings.
Reflecting on the day during the drive home, I felt a deep sense of hope and fulfillment. The journey to becoming “Dad” had its challenges, but moments like these made every step worthwhile.