At the beginning of August, I hit a hard realization — I might never have the kind of relationship I’d always imagined having with my child. From day one, things just didn’t go the way I’d pictured them. Lately, the thought that kept looping in my mind was, maybe doing this alone wasn’t the best choice after all.
It was Saturday, August 9th, and the day had been rough. I went out to my porch to read — something that usually helps me reset — but my mind wouldn’t stop replaying the argument Spencer and I had earlier. I sat there taking deep breaths, wanting to crawl into a hole and disappear, thinking, I am really failing at this.
Then I heard #GabbyBernstein’s words echo in my head: Ask the universe for what you want and then let go — but remember, it might not come the way you expect.
So, I looked up, closed my eyes, and said out loud: “I want a relationship with my child, and I want them to be happy. That’s it. I’ll follow your lead.”
The day ended quietly — as it usually did after one of our blow-ups — and I went to bed just hoping for peace.
Sunday morning came, and it was one of those gorgeous, sunny days that instantly lifts your mood. I made my coffee, grabbed my book, and went outside with my dog, ClaireBear. Spencer was still asleep, and the world felt calm for the first time in a while.
ClaireBear was stretched out on the porch, sunbathing like always. I went inside to refill my coffee, and out of nowhere she barked and bolted off the porch toward the neighbor’s dog. I didn’t see what happened — just heard the chaos. I ran out to find her on her side, crying and unable to move.
Everything after that was a blur. My neighbors came running, and together we rushed her to the animal hospital. The next four days were a mess of fear, exhaustion, and tough choices. The vet wasn’t optimistic, and there was no guarantee she’d walk again. Still, after a lot of tears, and yes, a lot of money, Spencer and I brought her home to care for her ourselves.
Now, twelve weeks later, ClaireBear has made an incredible recovery — she’s about 80% back to her old self.
And here’s the thing: this whole experience changed everything between Spencer and me. When I was too overwhelmed to think clearly and considered putting her down, Spencer refused to even discuss it. My two best friends happened to be visiting the Cape, and they both agreed — we had to give her a chance.
So we did. And for the first time ever, Spencer and I worked as a real team. We communicated, respected each other’s opinions, and supported one another. It felt genuine — not forced — and it brought us closer than we’ve ever been.
It wasn’t until a week later, when we were deep in the chaos of caring for her, that I realized what had happened. The universe had answered my request — just not in the way I expected.
The universe knew what we needed better than we did. And it turns out, ClaireBear was the universe’s catalyst.
— VC
They Call Me VC 
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