Briefly

Erin kindly asked how I am feeling, and the answer is a little confused. I feel relieved, yes, and vindicated, but I also feel sad and vulnerable and intermittently angry. And loved -- I have been a little overwhelmed, in a good way, by friends saying they've got my back. People have said so many generous things about me as a mother since this started that it almost (not quite, but almost) takes away the sting of being investigated for negligence. One in particular, from a good friend's mother, makes me laugh with tears in my eyes: she said to my friend (paraphrasing here), "If they're investigating CJ, you guys [meaning our little circle of mom friends here in town] are all in trouble. You'd better just go down to the CPS office and turn yourself in."

I have one more post in me about the whole thing, and then we never have to talk about it again. Thanks so much, everyone, for your encouragement.