Chapter 16 - PERMANENT GUARDIAN
The guardianship order became permanent when Leo was five and four months.
The judge used careful language.
I became legal guardian.
Daniel and Anna remained parents of record.
Their memory was not replaced.
Chad’s rights as former kinship caregiver ended.
No grand adoption scene.
No surname change.
Leo remained Leo Reed.
I was already Reed.
Convenient.
The judge asked whether I understood fiduciary duties around Leo’s trust.
“Yes.”
“Do you control principal?”
“No.”
“Can you direct Sentinel Ridge?”
“No.”
“Can you use trust resources for yourself?”
“No.”
“Can you request legitimate expenses for Leo?”
“Yes.”
“Who reviews?”
“North Coast and the child advocate under the instrument.”
She nodded.
“Good.”
Then:
“Mr. Reed, this order gives you authority over many daily decisions. It does not make your judgment infallible.”
I looked at Leo.
“I know.”
I hoped.
At home, he asked:
“Am I yours?”
The question frightened me.
“You’re Leo.”
He frowned.
“Teacher says guardians.”
“Yes. I’m your guardian.”
“Like Daddy?”
“No.”
“Like Chad?”
My chest tightened.
“Legally, Chad was a caregiver. I’m your guardian now.”
“Can you stop?”
The real question.
“Courts can change things if I’m not safe for you.”
He looked worried.
“I mean do you leave.”
I understood.
“I’m planning to stay.”
“Forever?”
Dangerous promise.
“As long as I’m alive and you need me, I’m here. When you’re grown, you get to tell me to go home.”
He smiled.
“Okay.”
Better.
No impossible promise.
May you like
No heaven leverage.
Just commitment with reality.
