It started like any other school day in our house. At five forty-five Brad, my husband, left for work, and a little later I got up to wake the kids. Getting teenagers out of bed is always a small battle, but that morning it was especially difficult. Cassie had stayed up late the night before catching up on homework, and her books were all over the kitchen table. Her cat’s litter box needed attention, too, and we were running late with breakfast. I remember trying not to lecture her about all the things that needed doing before she left for school.
