Whether you are fortunate or not, you cannot pick your family. You’re born into a distinct group of people, each with their own peculiarities, strengths, and shortcomings. The trip with them is like a meandering road, full of joyful moments and unexpected challenges, making family life a source of great connection and occasional irritation. Here is a one story.

My husband and I have a rule: we don’t check our phones during supper. Last night, halfway through the meal, his phone lit up. He took a quick glimpse at it before continuing his meal. Five minutes later, it buzzed repeatedly. This time, he grabbed it and cried, “Oh no! Mom!”

He immediately contacted the police, gave them his mother’s address, and fled. An hour later, he contacted me, groaned heavily, and explained that my mother-in-law had informed him over the phone that there had been a burglary.

Panicked, he dialed 911 and dashed to her home. Apparently, someone stole her potatoes from the garden in the morning, but she pretended it was a crime over the phone. By the time my mother-in-law clarified what had happened to my husband, two officers had arrived at her home. My spouse attempted to describe the scenario to them. To say he was mortified would be an understatement.