Chapter 20 - Ian Comes Home
Ian completed residential treatment.
He did not rush court.
That impressed everyone.
He moved into sober living? Fictional. Could call structured transitional residence. Health aspect fine.
Then apartment.
Job with HVAC company.
Weekly therapy.
Parenting classes voluntarily.
Supervised visits with Lizzy.
First visit lasted one hour.
Lizzy walked in holding bear.
Ian knelt.
“Hi, bug.”
She froze.
Then ran to him.
He cried so hard he had to sit.
Afterward Lizzy asked me:
“Can Daddy come home?”
“Not yet.”
“Why?”
“Because grownups have to prove safe routines too.”
“Daddy didn’t lock me.”
“No.”
“Then why?”
“Because he’s rebuilding after being sick.”
She accepted.
Visits increased.
No overnight until ten months.
At twelve months, weekend.
At eighteen, Ian petitioned for primary custody restoration.
I supported.
That surprised Gloria’s relatives who assumed I wanted keep Lizzy.
I wanted her safe.
Those are not same as wanting her mine.
Court restored Ian primary custody gradually.
I became permanent standby guardian and shared educational emergency contact.
Lizzy moved into his apartment seven minutes from us.
First night she called.
“Auntie?”
“Yes?”
“Can I come over tomorrow?”
“Of course.”
“Okay.”
May you like
She never needed choose father or aunt.
That was another pattern our family finally broke.
