My Heart Sank When I Found Out Why My Kids Were Fundraising at My Ex’s

I never imagined that a simple visit to my ex-wife’s house would lead to a heart-wrenching revelation. When I pulled into Goldie’s driveway to pick up some paperwork, I saw my kids, Jack and Sarah, running a cookie sale in front of the house.

At 38, life had changed drastically for me. Goldie and I had separated eight months ago, but we’d been co-parenting peacefully for the sake of our two young children, ages 7 and 5. I was caught off guard when I saw them fundraising. Their table, filled with toys and sweets, made me proud of their initiative. I smiled and approached them, asking what they were raising money for. Sarah happily told me it was for a special cause. When Jack said a cookie was three dollars, I was impressed but curious.

Goldie hadn’t come out to greet us, which was odd. I figured she was busy, so I went inside to ask her directly. The house felt nostalgic, with the familiar ticking of the grandfather clock and the scent of Goldie’s favorite candles. I asked her about the fundraising, and her response was strange. She seemed flustered and unaware of the kids’ efforts. “I thought they were just playing in the backyard,” she said, her expression stressed.

She was packing my things and handling paperwork, likely overwhelmed by everything going on. Something felt off, and I couldn’t shake the unease in my gut.