Single

Chemo is hitting Kenji, with slow and well placed punches. His hematologist told us: "We are going to smack the cancer" and he's surely living up to his promise. On day three of chemo Kenji is silent. Too exhausted to even speak.

Sitting by his bed, a thought slowly enters my mind. I. Am. A. Single. Parent. Temporary or - to type the unspeakable - for ever. Kenji is fighting for his life and that's more than enough for him to handle. Which leaves Big Brother and Little Brother to me.

In a lucid moment I confront Kenji with my earth shattering thought. Out of the blue, he tells me I'm right. This is his battle; he trusts me with the boys. Hours later I ask him again: "Do you trust me?" "Yes."

Parenting from the gut. Like I've never done before.