My Daughter Texted Me: “For Christmas, We’re Keeping It Very Small—Just Immediate Family.” I Replied, “No Problem. Have Fun.” What She Didn’t Know Was-I Had Just Moved Into My Brand New $22 Million Mansion. When One Of My Guests Posted Photos Online, My Phone Rang 59 Times. “Mom, Please Call Me Back…”

“What text message?” Patricia asked gently. I pulled out my phone and read aloud. “Please don’t come for Christmas.

We only want close family around.”

I looked up at Melanie. “Close family. After 36 years of being her mother, I apparently don’t qualify as close family.”

The silence was deafening.

Richard was studying his wine glass with professional interest, clearly taking mental notes for future reference. “And then,” I continued, “3 days later, after seeing photos of this house on social media, my phone rang 59 times. 59 calls from the daughter who didn’t want me around for Christmas because I wasn’t close family.”

Andrew finally found his voice.

“Look, Vivien, maybe there was a miscommunication.”

“Was there?” I turned my attention to him. “Andrew, in the 5 years you’ve been married to my daughter, how many times have you invited me to dinner? How many times have you called just to chat?

How many times have you treated me like someone whose company you actually enjoyed rather than endured?”

He opened his mouth, then closed it again. “I’ll help you with the math. Zero.

The answer is zero.”

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