My ex has been married to his current wife for eight years, and we’ve never seen eye to eye. For our 18-year-old son’s graduation, I asked him not to bring her, feeling she wasn’t necessary for my child’s big day. He agreed, and everything seemed settled. But as the ceremony ended, my son pulled me aside and said quietly, “Mom, you don’t really get how today felt for me.”
I paused, expecting excitement or nerves, but instead I saw a depth in his expression that contrasted with the festive crowd around us.
