It was understanding that a woman could be strong and still be isolated, experienced and still be deceived.

I had spent years learning how to assess information carefully under pressure.

Yet the most important fact I’d learned at my mother’s house was painfully simple: she needed someone to listen without telling her what she should feel.

My phone rang before I started the car.

“Josie,” Mom said, “did you eat lunch?”

“Not yet.”

“Of course you didn’t.

I told you this morning to take a sandwich.”