Opinion: A survivor’s tale

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Commentary by Danielle Wilson

I survived another Memorial Weekend with the in-law family, folks – 20 kids and 12 adults, all piled into a 100-year-old lake house in northern Indiana. I’m pleased to report that there were no shankings or “accidental” poisonings, and that all couples emerged still sound in their marriages. But Lady Drama managed to find our little reunion, as she is want to do when that many people are working out of one kitchen and no one is sleeping.

I planned accordingly and arrived one day late, knowing that the Friday night in-processing is a hot mess. Cousins so excited to see one another they literally are bouncing off walls; brothers giddy to have a few days together to relax and catch up; and sisters-in-law eyeballing each other, trying to determine which of their bedtime routines will ultimately win out (there can be only one!).

Actually, we all get along really well and have learned to express frustrations early and often. But by the last night, defenses are gone, fatigue has set in, and wine is making a play for family membership. Enter two strung-out moms trying to get the youngest down for the night after a slight misunderstanding about the agreed-upon bedtime. Amid harsh words, jabby fingers and a lobbed F-bomb, Lady D. easily claims her next victims.

As a non-participant in the fun turn of events, I found the whole incident highly entertaining. Not that I enjoy seeing my sisters-in-law argue, but when both are so clearly exhausted from keeping their young kids alive in true chaos, it was only a matter of time before they’d detonate. Besides, per usual, apologies and hugs were given the next morning, along with a reminder to better communicate.

We have another month or so before the next big lake house rendezvous. Can’t wait! Peace out.


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