One night at dinner recently, I mentioned to the kids that I’d seen a dear friend’s daughter waiting at pickup that afternoon and that she was wearing a mask matching the one they’d all worn that day. Brian heard this remark and said that the girl’s father, his best friend, had mentioned by text that he waves at me in the pickup line almost every day but doesn’t think I ever see him waving.

Alison: “Really? I haven’t seen him! I guess it’s because that’s my reading time and I’ve been totally engrossed in this book. Actually, I finished it waiting in the line today!”

Kids: (uproarious applause)

Alison: “Wow–thanks, guys! It really is an accomplishment for me. Want to hear the name of the next book I’m going to read?”

Kids: “Yes!”

Alison: “How to Talk so Kids Will Listen and Listen so Kids Will Talk“

Summerly: (deep sigh of relief) “Oh, thank goodness. I saw that one in your pile and was wondering when you’d finally read it.”

I’m trying not to take it personally.