“I don’t want her to sense my fear,” he said. “Babies can feel that stuff. I’d rather keep my distance until I can be the father she deserves.”
The leader nodded. “What you’re doing takes strength. But healing isn’t something you have to do alone. Have you thought about including Julia?”
Ryan shook his head. “She almost died. The last thing she needs is to worry about me. She’s been through enough.”
My heart shattered. He was carrying this burden alone.
The next morning, while Ryan was at work and Lily napped, I called the Hope Recovery Center.
“My husband has been attending your support group,” I said. “Is there a way I can be involved?”
The receptionist was kind. “We have a partners’ support group on Wednesday evenings. Would you like to join?”
“Yes,” I said without hesitation.
That Wednesday, I arranged for my sister to watch Lily and walked into a room with eight women. Their haunted expressions mirrored mine.
“I’m Julia,” I said when it was my turn. “My husband comes here because our daughter’s birth was traumatic. But I think I need help too. I’ve felt so alone and confused.”
Sarah, one of the women, smiled warmly. “Birth trauma affects both parents, Julia. You’re in the right place.”
