The little girl hadn’t spoken since the night her mother was found on the kitchen floor! Then the court dog lowered his head-and she whispered one sentence toward the defense table…

much stimulation could set her back. Social services wanted a safety plan. Everyone had an opinion about what was best for the child.

Lily had earned the truth.

“I’m going to ask the doctors,” Ava said. “If they say it’s safe, we’ll make it happen.”

Lily nodded as if that was acceptable. Then she tore the drawing from the legal pad and handed it to Ava.continue reading …