Rather than wait, they told me
As soon as I returned:
You were unexpected.

Of course, I thought it was a joke!
Family dinners don't usually

Start with
Unusual silence.
Not a word until our parents
Stressfully and tentatively announce your presence.
Having learned of menopause
I thought it was a joke
Not understanding that you,
Eleonore, were already on your way into my life.