CNU-My daughter-in-law said Christmas would be easier if I stayed away, and my son did not even raise his eyes to defend me. So I stayed home, alone, exactly as requested. …

and get used to the feeling.”

Susan stared at the floor.

After a long silence, she said, “She told me you were punishing her because she embarrassed you at Thanksgiving.”

I took a slow breath.

“What she said at Thanksgiving mattered. Not because it hurt my feelings, although it did. It mattered because it made me stop making excuses for things I already continue reading …