MY SON-IN-LAW CALLED MY DAUGHTER “BUTTERBALL” AND TOLD HER SHE WASN’T ALLOWED TO HAVE DESSERT AT OUR FAMILY DINNER — HE HAD NO IDEA I WAS ABOUT TO MAKE HIM REGRET IT.

pajama shirt, Sally and I sat together at the kitchen table.

The chocolate fudge cake was still there, untouched except for the small bites Emmy had taken.

I sliced another piece and placed it in front of my daughter.

Then she picked up her fork.

“Mom,” she whispered, “I’m scared.”

I reached across the table and placed my hand over hers. “I know.”

“What continue reading …