Peace of home rent by voice-cracking howl of teenhood

Because I Said So column for The Commercial Appeal

Jan. 6, 2011

A new year and a new decade is always a time for beginnings, renewal and rejuvenation. In the air is the scent of hope and peace, a bit of the positive to help sweep any disorder and unpleasantness of the previous years under the rug.

In this first week of the new year, however, there is the scent of something else. Evil has entered our household. Yesterday, in fact, it walked up and let itself right in the front door. It took a seat on the sofa as though it were expected; then it kicked its big shoes off and put its smelly socks up on my good afghan.

Yesterday, my son turned 13. The day dawned with fear (and not a little angst, I’m sure). So I embark on life with a teenager … (read more)