Mary was clever. While angelic in appearance, she found conning me out of extra dessert or negotiating a later bedtime thrilling pursuits. She had a keen sense of humor, too. Her eyes sparkled as she persisted in bantering me all night long. I’d respond, much to her delight, with pursed lips and furrowed brow, folding my arms as I pretended to be deeply offended. When I played along and dished up a particularly funny comeback, she’d gasp for air and snort, while breaking into a giggling fit.

Some moms are given children who you can’t help but love instantly. And some moms are given children who are complicated and need a little more figuring out. In Mary, her mom was given…