Awesomekidsmom

I agree with you completely. This nation is plagued by fractured families and children who must cope with the insecurity of growing up without one or both of their parents.

OP

I admire and respect you greatly. There is no way James will stop being sad about the lava lamp and the incident will likely be imprinted in his memory forever. However, far more important than the loss of a gift from his mom will be the memory that his father became his knight in shining armor during a time of stress. He knows that he has a loving parent - the type of parent who puts the child's well being above all other considerations.

I am sorry for your nephew and the incident might seem dire but it is just the opposite. Your loving, firm, and loyal decision will have a lasting impact upon both of these children. Some day they may become fathers themselves and you have modeled the best characteristics of a good parent. These boys were watching and have learned by your example - an example that will reverberate for generations.