Eli changed as the day progressed. He joked about with me and asked for my input on the following trip, staying closer to me than normal. After we arrived to the bumper cars, Eli sat in my passenger seat and, grinning naughtily, would sometimes crash into my vehicle. When he shouted “Gotcha!” I couldn’t help but chuckle and playfully chased after him.

As the day came to a close and the sun fell, Eli strolled in step with me. His little, tight grasp on my hand seemed like the universe was finally falling into place as we walked toward the park’s exit. That little but meaningful act brought an end to the day and the hope of fresh beginnings.

As I drove home, I reflected on the day and was filled with optimism and satisfaction. It was true that today had been a watershed moment.

With each passing day, I became more than simply Eli’s mother’s husband; I was gradually becoming “Dad.” There were challenges along the way, but experiences like this made it all worthwhile.