On the morning of his first day of first grade, I woke before dawn, ironing my son’s new school shirt. I wanted everything to be perfect. My husband, asleep on the couch with an empty beer can nearby, had promised he’d join us, but when it was time to leave, he said he’d meet us later. My stomach tightened as I drove my son to school.
At drop-off, I kissed him goodbye, then realized I had forgotten his water bottle. Returning to the classroom, I heard the teacher call, “Jamie, sweetheart.” My son smiled and walked over without hesitation.....
