The pilot stayed with us for what felt like ages but was, in reality, only a few minutes. Those minutes, however, were enough to restore my sanity, to remind me that I wasn’t alone in this. His kindness had created a small community on that flight, a collective understanding that sometimes, parents simply need a little help.

Before he left, he glanced at me, his expression gentle and understanding. “You’re doing a great job,” he said, emphasizing each word as though willing them to sink into my bones. And they did.