I did not mistake these gestures for a transformation of the past.

But I was relieved that my daughter was learning to insist on honesty without cutting herself off from every imperfect person she loved.

She had spent her childhood watching her parents navigate conflict badly.

I hoped adulthood would give her better examples, even if we had to learn alongside her.

PART 29

Kendra called me one afternoon to ask about a practical matter.

She and Gordon were discussing an arrangement for Iris, and she wanted the name of a family counselor who had helped a friend of mine.