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. …

good intentions were not internal controls.

She answered on the third ring.

“If this is a fishing invitation, you’re calling before I become reasonable.”

“Patricia,” I said. “It’s Harold.”

A beat.

“Well. Either hell froze over or you finally admitted retirement is lonely.”

“One of those.”

She laughed, then stopped when she heard my voice more closely.

“What’s continue reading …