Chapter 21 - FATHERHOOD
Ryan remained Rebecca’s biological father.
The law did not erase that because he was monstrous to me.
Family court addressed rights.
I sought sole legal and physical custody.
Granted.
Ryan’s contact suspended during incarceration.
Future therapeutic contact only if:
He completed programs.
Risk assessment.
Rebecca’s therapist supported.
Court approved.
Rebecca’s age and wishes considered.
I wanted termination of parental rights.
My attorney explained the standard.
Not automatic.
I did not like it.
Still.
When Rebecca was four, she asked:
“Where’s my daddy?”
I had prepared.
“Your father hurt me before you were born and broke serious laws. He lives somewhere he cannot visit us right now.”
“Does he love me?”
“I don’t know what he feels.”
Harder than saying yes.
More honest.
“Do you love him?”
“No.”
She accepted that surprisingly easily.
Children do not always need romantic parental mythology.
They need safety.
At seven:
More questions.
At eleven:
More.
May you like
No single disclosure day.
Truth grows with the child.
