Sharon Kennard had moved to Rhode Island to attend Brown University.  When she graduated she decided to stay. She absolutely adored New England, even with the harsh winters.  But on some days more than others, she missed her family.  It was such a day about a week ago when her thoughts strayed towards home when her phone rang and it was her mother  What she heard was a tone she never recalled her mother having – giddy! 

Her mom had always been loving, attentive and nurturing with Sharon and her sibs but she, as Tina and brother Greg, knew their mother and father were terribly unhappy.  It was not a Ward and June Cleaver relationship by any stretch of the imagination. Tina had always tried to do the big sister act of covering for their parents and it worked for awhile.  But as Sharon grew older, no dance of words or actions could cover the unhappiness between her parents.

“Hey, what’s going on, Mom?  You sound like a schoolgirl in love!”

Ann bit her lip.  She and Sam were on the way out and she didn’t want this to be a clipped conversation when she told Sharon.

“Honey, everything is just fine.  And, well, yes, I am in love.  I’m just on my way out the door.  How about I call you later and we’ll have a nice talk.  Will you be home?”

“Actually, I’ve got this group meeting I need to attend tonight….In love!  Gees, mom, drop one on me, will ya?  I won’t be back until late tonight. How about I call you tomorrow evening as soon as I get home?”

“Sounds great.  I love you, Sharon.  Talk tomorrow.”

“Love you, too, mom.”

In love?  “Wow..” was all Sharon could say when she hung up the phone.  First Tina was in love and now her mother!  She and her big sister hadn’t spoken in a bit – not due to anything other than lives being so busy.  There were emails back and forth touching base just to make sure everything is all right.  But there was that one phone call from Tina though that had surprised her just slightly.  Her big sister was in love and, double wow, it was with a woman.  It was only a slight surprise because big sis always went for the gusto, never looking back or particularly caring what others thought – not in a disrespectful or ignorant manner – only that Tina never let anyone else’s opinion of her be more important than her opinion of herself.   It may take a little getting used to, but all Sharon wanted was for Tina to be happy.  Her sister had always been there for her whenever she needed support.