weakness and doubled down on their determination to “toughen up” Lucas to prevent him from becoming like me. I tried to limit our visits, but my mother would call, emotional, promising she’d talk to Dad and Derek about respecting my parenting. Like a fool, I’d believe her, giving them one more chance.

The pressure to attend this year’s annual summer barbecue was intense. Against my better judgment, I agreed. “Are we really going to have fun, Dad?” Lucas asked as I helped him into his car seat that morning.