I arrived precisely at six, wearing my best navy dress and the pearl necklace Frank gave me on our 25th anniversary. Call me old-fashioned, but I still believe in making an effort for family occasions.

The hostess led me through the crowded restaurant to a large round table where David, my son, sat with his wife, Jessica, and their two kids.

“Mom.” David stood up, giving me one of those quick obligatory hugs. “You made it.”

“Of course I made it. It’s Jessica’s birthday.” I smiled at my daughter-in-law, who managed a tight smile in return.

Jessica had never quite warmed to me, even after 15 years of marriage to my son. According to her, I was too involved, too opinionated, too much of everything.

My granddaughter Khloe was picking at her chicken nuggets while my grandson Tyler played on his phone, completely oblivious to the adults around him. Normal family dinner behavior, nothing unusual there.