My daughter-in-law, Marissa, has never hidden her distaste for me. Our relationship has always been rocky, but this Halloween, she took things to a whole new level. I showed up for my regular Sunday dinner at her and my son’s house, and there in her front yard were three life-sized witches, each one dressed to resemble me. She’d even gone as far as putting a little sign near them that read, *”Beware of the real evil down the street!”*
I clenched my jaw and forced a smile, playing along as if it were all a harmless joke. Dinner was tense, but I didn’t say a word. I tried to convince myself to just brush it off. But the real sting came the next morning when I was outside gardening. Two kids walking by pointed at me and whispered, “Look, it’s the evil witch from down the street!” They laughed and ran off, and I felt my heart sink. Marissa’s “joke” had taken root.
The week grew even harder. Kids who used to wave and say “hello” now gave me strange looks. A few even crossed the street to avoid me. I’ve always loved Halloween—welcoming trick-or-treaters, seeing their adorable costumes, handing out candy. But this year, my yard was empty, my steps were ignored, and the joy I used to feel was replaced with a knot of dread.
I knew I had to do something, but I wasn’t about to sink to her level. I spent the next few days decorating my yard differently than usual. I replaced my usual pumpkins and cobwebs with a heartwarming display: cheerful scarecrows, smiling ghosts, and friendly jack-o’-lanterns. I set up a “kindness corner” on my porch, complete with baskets of warm cider, candy, and little notes about kindness and respect.
On Halloween night, word must have gotten around, because children who had avoided my house before began coming up to my porch, laughing as they enjoyed the treats and reading the notes. Their parents smiled, a few even complimenting my decorations. By the end of the night, my porch was bustling with kids again, and my heart felt a bit lighter.
The next day, I got a call from Marissa. She said she’d heard from a few neighbors about my decorations and wanted to apologize for her “little prank.” I could tell she wasn’t thrilled about having to make that call, but in the end, I didn’t need her apology. My kindness had already spoken for itself.
And as for next Halloween? I think I might just start a new tradition of decorating my yard with kindness.