While visiting my ex-wife’s house, I never expected a simple cookie sale to hit me so hard. As I pulled into Goldie’s driveway, I saw our kids, Sarah and Jack, sitting at a little table, fundraising. I assumed it was for school—until I heard what they were raising money for.

With innocent smiles, they told me, “We’re raising money to buy a new Daddy.” My heart sank. Apparently, they’d misunderstood something Goldie had said in frustration. “Mommy said Daddy is sick in the head,” Sarah explained. It felt like the floor had dropped out beneath me.

Goldie and I sat the kids down right there on the porch, doing our best to explain that divorce didn’t mean I was gone or needed replacing. “You don’t need a new dad,” I said. “I’ll always be your daddy.” We reassured them that no matter what, they were loved and never at fault.

By the end of the night, their frowns had turned into hope. We even decided to turn the cookie sale into a fundraiser for kids in need. As we headed inside for ice cream, I exchanged a look with Goldie—no longer partners, but still a team. Not a perfect family, but a real one.