Chapter 20 - Richard Met Noah Once
Dad did not see Noah during first year.
Not because hatred.
Because he needed distance.
At eighteen months, Clara requested through attorneys whether Richard wanted photographs returned and whether he would permit Noah to receive a few gifts purchased during pregnancy.
Dad said yes to gifts.
Then asked me:
“Am I cruel if I don’t want to meet him?”
“No.”
“He didn’t do anything.”
“Correct.”
“So shouldn’t innocence matter?”
“It means you don’t punish him. It does not obligate you to become grandfather.”
Dad thought.
A year later, at a family mediation involving property return, Clara’s sister brought Noah unexpectedly? That would be manipulative. Avoid.
Instead, when Noah was four, Glen asked if Dad would meet him because Noah had begun asking who “Grandpa Richard” was in old photographs.
Dad agreed to one meeting.
Public park.
No promises.
Noah looked like Glen around eyes.
Dad told me later:
“That was harder than test result.”
“Did you regret?”
“No.”
“Want relationship?”
“Not grandparent.”
“What then?”
“Maybe a person who wishes him well.”
May you like
That was enough.
Noah did not need every adult to perform a role.
