Lisa got a house as a graduation present from my husband David and me. Even though it wasn’t fancy, she chose to live there and put down roots. David agreed with me that our firstborn child earned this after Lisa’s hard work and dedication in medical school.

Lisa called me one night while making dinner a few months after she moved in.

“Mom,” she dialed. “Okay, Rick is moving in with me. I believe it’s the right choice since we’ve been together for a long time.”

I was happy for her, of course. I always thought Lisa was smarter than David, but David thought it was too soon to make such a big promise. A rat smelled bad to her from a mile away. David and I helped Ric move in in the end. I wasn’t sure what to think about all the stuff he brought in. He seemed to be very set on making this move.

Get ready for the worst family dinner ever.

Everything began with happiness. Lisa planned a party for Ric, our future in-laws, and us because she wanted us to get to know each other before beginning to plan the wedding. I didn’t mind this because I didn’t think I knew enough about Ric’s family at that point.