NY-For twenty-five years, my stepfather broke his …

for show and when it is being made like a vow. Hector did not ask for anything in return. He did not demand gratitude. He did not say he was replacing anyone. He simply offered permanence in a life that had taught me people could leave.

From that day, “Dad” became a word I used without hesitation.

My childhood with Hector was simple but vivid. We did continue reading …