I glanced around the living room, cluttered with Aiden’s toys and medical equipment. Vanessa’s words from that morning echoed painfully.

“I can’t do this anymore, James. I need my life back.”

“What are you saying?” I had asked, stunned.

“Aiden… I love him, but he’s a burden. I want out.”

“He’s our son!” My voice had cracked.

But she’d already made up her mind. She packed her bags and left without looking back. That day, I became both mother and father to Aiden.

“Hey, buddy, you want to play with the blocks?” I called out to Aiden, who was in his wheelchair by the window. His bright eyes sparkled, and he gave a big smile.

“Dada, blocks!” he giggled, his hands flapping in excitement.

I set the blocks in front of him and watched as he tried to stack them with his limited mobility. It was moments like these that gave me strength.