She answered when I called yesterday

Small win today

so yesterday was Emma’s 13th birthday and for the first time in 3 years she actually answered when I called. we talked for maybe 8 minutes? She told me about her new art teacher and how she’s learning watercolors. I didn’t push about seeing her or mention anything about her mum or the situation, just listened.

At the end she said “thanks for calling dad” and I nearly lost it right there on the phone.

It’s not much I know. We’re still doing supervised visits through the family center and that’s… well it’s something. But hearing her voice without that flat tone she’s had for so long. Like a little bit of my Emma came back.

I keep thinking about what that book said about patience and not pushing and I think maybe it’s working? Slowly. Very slowly. But today I actually have some hope again and that feels strange after everything

13 is such a tough age anyway and watercolors - that’s lovely, proper creative outlet.

Those 8 minutes must have felt like gold x

Emma talking about watercolors for 8 minutes sounds like pure magic after 3 years. That “thanks for calling dad” would have finished me off too.

God this made me tear up… my Emma’s 13 too and hasn’t answered a call in 6 months.

Emma answered AND talked about watercolors — that’s huge after 3 years. Those 8 minutes are worth more than any GAL report.