My Daughter Said “we Need A Break” Two Days Before Christmas

and the neighborhood smells like pine and wet concrete. I was at my daughter Renee’s kitchen table, helping my granddaughter Josie with her reading worksheet. Josie’s seven. She’s got a gap where her front teeth used to be and this stubborn little grin she makes when a word finally clicks. She tries so hard it makes your chest ache.

Renee walked in continue reading …