The experience is so deeply embedded that, even now, I occasionally dream about forgetting my lines on stage. I had been cast as Emily in my high school production of Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer prize-winning play, Our Town. The play transformed me. I remember the feel of my vintage dress, the fit of my black Mary Janes, the swishing sound while brushing against overcoats as I emerged from the circle of mourners at my character’s funeral. But most of all, I remember asking the iconic question...

“Lisa, Lisa,” she said, her soothing voice rising over her steaming cup. “You may have had your back to your daughters then. But now you...

Daughter Leslie texted a photo just after Thanksgiving with, “The gang’s all here!” I immediately recognized the nativity set we’d given to both of our girls many years ago. Mixed in with it were other figurines from earlier in her marriage. I loved that our grandchildren had arranged them all together, including the one representing their deceased dog Olive, fittingly sandwiched between Mary and a shepherd. “You should hear the convos Holden and Hads have with this crew as they play!” Les...