We planned a party, or a party was planned and I was informed two days before it occurred. That was to give me sufficient time to clear things with Dave, who views even such an innocuous event as an invasion of what he views as his territory. My grandchildren, my daughters and some in-laws would be attending, during a siege of only a few hours. It went well, until it didn’t.

It’s Juneteenth, but I feel no sense of freedom. The company I founded forced my retirement nearly two years ago, and I’ve been restless ever since. Time is less friend than enemy, and any project started makes me anxious about other things I should be doing instead.... Now’s a good time, a year since I last reflected on my unexpected parenting position and the shackles I’m too ashamed to resent.