That night, after Jordan had gone to bed, I couldn’t stop thinking about the encounter. There had been nothing alarming—just something… unspoken. And then, around midnight, my phone buzzed with a message from an unknown number:
Hi, this is Officer Bellamy. I hope it’s okay that I reached out. Could we talk briefly about Jordan?
I called immediately, my heart racing.
“Everything is okay,” he assured me. “But earlier today, Jordan said something that really stuck with me. He asked what it feels like to be afraid all the time. He said it in a way that didn’t sound like casual curiosity—it felt like something personal.”
I thanked him for calling and sat in silence after we hung up. What had my son been carrying inside?
The next morning, I gently asked Jordan how he was feeling. At first, he stayed quiet, but eventually, he opened up.
“I miss how things used to be,” he said. “This place feels different. It’s like I don’t belong here.”
He paused. “Sometimes I feel nervous for no reason. Like something’s not right. I didn’t want to tell you… I didn’t want to make you worry.”
I hugged him, trying to stay strong. “It’s okay to talk about what you’re feeling,” I said. “That’s how we get through things—together.”
That afternoon, I made an appointment with a child therapist. I wanted Jordan to have someone to talk to in a safe, supportive space. Over the next few weeks, he began to open up more. The anxiety didn’t disappear overnight, but with time, encouragement, and professional help, he began to feel more at ease.
Officer Bellamy continued checking in. His kindness meant more than I could express. He wasn’t just doing his job—he was making a real difference in our lives.
Here’s what I’ve learned: children are often more intuitive than we realize. When they express fear or sadness, we have to listen—closely and without judgment. Sometimes, all it takes is one moment of connection to begin the journey toward healing.
If your family is going through a big change—or if someone you love is struggling to adjust—know that it’s okay to ask for help. You’re not alone. There are people who care and resources that can truly make a difference.