My Mother-in-Law Gave My Daughter a Cheap Candle at Christmas—Then My Seven-Year-Old Calmly Handed Her a Red Box That Made Her Scream

was an institution unto itself – loud, close-knit, perpetually organizing barbecues, game nights, and holiday extravaganzas that required color-coordinated outfits and military-level logistics. At the center of this solar system was Lorraine.