As a token of appreciation for all he had done, I had used funds from my trust fund to reserve us a week at a resort by the sea.
Excitement and thankfulness appeared to replace the weight of our history as we boarded the aircraft and looked out at the globe below. We listened to the waves while sitting by the ocean on our first night there.
Finally opening up, Stephen shared his regrets and troubles. “My worst life mistake was leaving.” However, I believed I would never be able to make things right.
I really apologize for missing those formative years. I was crying as I clutched his hand. “You’re forgiven, Dad. You returned. That’s what counts. It was a week full with memories.
We snorkeled amid fish, went on boat trips, and even had elegant meals by the shore. Together, we laughed in ways I never would have imagined, and I felt entire and at ease for the first time.
I recognized how far we had come as I gazed at Stephen, who was now my father in every way. He was no longer attempting to be my “stepfather.”
