Gemotions

"I'm converting to Judaism," her daughter, Emily, had announced. Her mother, Carol, felt a familiar ache. Disappointment, perhaps, but also something else. A hard, cold ball in her stomach.

Carol started planting little reminders in Emily's room – an old crucifix, a bible from her childhood, a portrait of Jesus. She then started making weekly calls to her, in which she expressed her unhappiness.

When Emily hosted her first Passover dinner, Carol arrived late, making a scene with a very vocal disapproval. She then loudly complained about the food, the rituals. Seeing the hurt on Emily's face was a balm to Carol's anger.