Divorce can leave lasting pain, especially when children are involved. After almost a decade of healing, one of our readers finally felt ready to open her heart and try to build a family again. Her new boyfriend seemed perfect—charming and able to bond with her teenage son. But then something happened that changed everything.

One of our readers shared a deeply emotional story.

“I divorced my first husband when our son, Josh, was just four years old. Since then, my ex-husband has been completely absent, leaving a gap that no love can fill. It breaks my heart to see my son grow up without a father figure. Despite all the love and care I give him, I notice the longing in his eyes when he sees his friends spending time with their dads—fishing, playing ball, or just laughing together at dinner. It constantly reminds me of what he’s missing.”I’ve thought about dating again, hoping that Josh might have a stepfather or at least a positive male role model in his life. But every time I think about it, I’m overwhelmed by feelings of betrayal and heartache from my past. The scars from my first marriage run deep, and I’ve lost faith in love and trust. Every potential relationship feels like a risk I’m not ready to take, both for myself and for Josh.”

“Everything changed when I met Tom. I noticed him at a community event; he stood out because of his warm smile and how he interacted with everyone around him. From our first conversation, he captivated me with his genuine interest in what I had to say. He was different from most men I’d met—thoughtful, kind, and incredibly patient.”