Today marks the anniversary of the day my son's dad and I permanently separated. It's the day after baby daddy's birthday so it's an easy one to remember.

When we broke up we hated each other. Today he messaged me saying happy 7 year coparenting anniversary. We've been happily separated for 7 years. Mazel tov. 7 years ago I wouldn't have believed anyone if they told me he would one day he would make a joke at the expense of our turbulent relationship and I would laugh without a trace of bitterness, and even get a bit nostalgic. Honestly, I don't think anyone who knew us back then would have believed it. When you think of successful models of joint custody, you don't picture people like us. We were totally fucked up and should have never had a baby together. And on top of that we were way too young.

But we still have managed to cooperate, collaborate, and even become good friends. I can tell him anything or just bounce ideas off each other or talk about kiddo's needs and developments and strengths. My son has never known us to be together but still sees as as sort of very friendly colleagues and family. He sees us working together as a team to take care of him, and is happy to be able to be with both of us often.

I honestly want to be a much better mom than I am, but about this aspect of parenting, I couldn't be prouder. We've managed to surmount a serious problem that people far more mature than ourselves profoundly struggle with, and have done so with relative dignity, for the well-being of our kid. And we appreciate each other's efforts. I'm super thankful for that.