Taking my stepson Eli and his friends to the amusement park was a big deal for me. I hoped this outing would help strengthen our bond. The boys were buzzing with excitement, especially about a towering roller coaster, but I suggested starting with something milder.
While grabbing slushies, I overheard Eli’s friend joking that I was “boring.” My heart sank, but Eli defended me, saying, “My dad would never ruin the fun.” Hearing him call me “dad” felt like a small victory.
Throughout the day, Eli stayed close, laughing and seeking my input. When we hit the bumper cars, we had a blast, bumping and chasing each other.
As we left, Eli took my hand, a simple gesture that felt monumental. Today wasn’t just an outing; it marked a turning point in our relationship that I would always cherish.
