We had high hopes that my mother would retire, move to the countryside, and leave her three-bedroom flat to me and my husband!
Let me tell you about my neighbour, Margaret. Shes 68 now and lived alone in her spacious three-bedroom flat. Recently, she decided to rent it out and go travelling instead.
Her daughter, Emily, came to me in a huff and complained:
What on earth is my mother doing? Shes let me down terribly! Now my mother-in-law keeps going on about how Ill end up just as selfish when Im older. She says the apple doesnt fall far from the tree. And just last month, my husband and I took out a loan for a new carwere already two months behind on payments! We were counting on Mum to help us out, but instead, shes gone off on holiday!
I looked at Emily, puzzled. Why should her mother be responsible for their car loan? But Emily carried on:
My mother-in-law is furious that were still living in her house while Mums off renting out her flat!
I could tell Emily expected sympathy, but I thought Margaret had done the right thing. Shes earned the freedom to live as she pleases. Why should anyone assume that once a woman retires, she must devote herself entirely to her children and grandchildren? That isnt fair at all. I asked Emily:
Why dont you and your husband rely on yourselves? Why didnt you spend the last 15 years of your marriage saving up for your own home? Then your mother-in-law wouldnt have anything to nag you about.
Emily sighed. We just assumed Mum would retire to the countryside and hand her flat over to us!
I couldnt resist teasing her a little. What if Margaret remarries? She had a friend who went on holiday to Spain, met a man, and ended up moving there. Now shes happier than ever. Maybe Margaret will do the same.
Emily stared at me, stunned. The other day, I saw photos of Margaret onlineshe looked radiant, writing about how much she was enjoying her travels. I was thrilled for her. Shed made the right choice. Age shouldnt stop anyone from chasing happiness or making the most of lifes adventures. After all, its never too late to write your own story.
