I Promised My Son Forever—Then Cancer Made Me Count the Months

But to Leo, it felt like exile.

Mike steps closer, like he wants to intervene, like he wants to catch me if I fall.

I crouch slightly so Leo can see my face when he swings forward.

“I’m not going away today,” I say. “Today is park day. Today is swings. Today is pancakes.”

Leo studies me.

Five-year-olds aren’t supposed to have that look.

That searching look.continue reading …