Chapter 19 - Dana Tells Cole
Cole was eight when Dana told him age-appropriate truth about wrist.
Not all details.
He had asked why he did not see Grandma Linda.
Dana:
“When you were little, Grandma grabbed you too hard and hurt your wrist. Mom and Dad were scared and lied about how it happened. That was wrong.”
Cole:
“Did Grandma mean?”
“She was angry and rough. We don’t know she meant fracture.”
“Did you lie to doctor?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because we were afraid.”
He got angry.
Good.
Children are allowed.
Then he asked:
“Did Ellie get burned because you lied?”
Dana called me after, crying.
“What did you say?”
“I said the adults were responsible for their own choices. Our lie made it easier to ignore warning signs, but Mom chose to throw coffee.”
That was fair.
No one child carried causation.
Cole later apologized to Ellie? He had nothing to apologize for. We made sure.
They were cousins.
At ten and nine, they played video games at Dana’s house under safe circumstances.
No Linda.
I allowed because Dana/Aaron had rebuilt.
May you like
Forgiveness not same as forgetting.
Family could exist in new shape.
