The first month of college was difficult.
Logan struggled with one of his mathematics courses and worried that he had made a mistake choosing the program.
He called me one evening, sounding discouraged.
"I don't think I'm good enough for this."
I wanted to tell him he was brilliant.
I wanted to promise that everything would work out.
Instead, I asked what had happened.
He explained that he had failed his first major quiz.
Several classmates seemed to understand the material immediately, while he needed extra time.
He had started thinking about quitting before he disappointed everyone.
I listened.
Then I reminded him that one quiz was information, not a verdict on his future.
I encouraged him to speak with his instructor and visit the tutoring center.
He agreed to try.
At midnight, he sent me a message.
I talked to my instructor. She said I can catch up if I put in the work.*
I replied that I was proud of him for asking for help.
A few minutes later, another message arrived.
I almost didn't tell you because I thought you'd worry.*
I stared at the screen.
Then I typed the words I wished he had always known.
You never have to hide a struggle from me to protect me. We can be worried and still work through it together.*
He responded with a heart.
I sat in the quiet kitchen, thinking about the morning Officer Reynolds had stood in my doorway holding Andrew.
That day had frightened me.
But it had also opened my eyes.
My son had never needed me to believe he was invincible.
He had needed me to make room for him to be human.
Click here to continue reading: PART 20: What the Officer Really Taught Me
The Police Officer Was Holding My Three-Year-Old Son
Part 19 of 20
