Visiting my ex-wife Goldie’s house to grab some documents, I never expected a cookie sale to change everything. Our kids, Sarah and Jack, were fundraising with a table full of cookies and toys. Proud, I asked what the cause was. That’s when Jack said, “We’re raising money to buy a new Daddy.”

My heart sank. Goldie and I had split eight months ago, but our kids clearly misunderstood the situation. They thought I was gone forever and needed replacing.

Goldie rushed to explain, “Daddy isn’t sick, and you don’t need a new one. We just won’t live together anymore, but Daddy will always be your Daddy.”

We spent the evening on the porch, reassuring them that the divorce wasn’t their fault and that both parents still loved them deeply. Sarah asked, “Why can’t you live with us anymore?” and Jack wondered if they’d done something wrong.

We told them grown-ups sometimes need different things to be happy, but family love never changes.

By night’s end, our kids were excited about a new plan: raising money to help other kids in need. Goldie smiled at me, and despite everything, I felt hopeful. We were still family—just a different kind.