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. …

her coat and thanked me for dinner as if she had not poisoned it.

I stood on the porch while their SUV backed down the drive and disappeared between the pines.

Then I went inside, turned off the kitchen lights one bank at a time, carried Ellen’s china to the sink, and leaned both hands against the counter until the room stopped moving.

I was not heartbroken.continue reading …