My Son Left Me a Chore List for My 66th Birthday and Flew on an $11,000 Cruise—When He Came Back, Everything Was Gone

into a home office, boxing up his legal books and framed diplomas. I cleared out the downstairs den where Jennifer had accumulated enough decorative pillows to furnish a small hotel.

Every evening, after I’d faithfully completed another day from their color-coded chore list—because spite wasn’t going to make me neglect a dog who needed walking or children continue reading …