After much thought, I agreed to meet her at the park. At the park, Jonathan played on the swings, oblivious to the storm brewing. Lorraine arrived, looking worn and fragile. “Why now, Lorraine? Why after all this time?” I asked. “I made a terrible mistake, Mark. I want to be a part of Jonathan’s life again,” she said, her face etched with regret.

I decided she needed to earn our trust. Over the next few weeks, Lorraine visited Jonathan regularly, gradually rebuilding her relationship with him. It was challenging, but slowly she proved her commitment to being a better mother.