My 4-Year-Old Pointed at My Best Friend and Whispered, “Dad’s Right There”

Throwing a backyard birthday party sounded like the kind of wholesome idea you see on Pinterest—string lights, easy food, kids laughing, neighbors stopping by. In reality, it was loud music, too many conversations happening at once, and a steady stream of tiny feet sprinting across the lawn like it was an obstacle course.

I was stationed near the patio door with napkins in one hand and my phone in the other, trying to keep the whole thing from falling apart. Every few seconds, I’d glance across the yard and catch sight of my husband, Brad, smiling like he didn’t have a care in the world.

Even after years together, I still had those moments where I’d think, How did I get so lucky?

Someone called out a question about the dip. A toddler started crying near the swing set. Then my four-year-old, Will, streaked past me clutching a cake pop like it was treasure and slid under a table.