We had high hopes that my mum would retire, move to the countryside, and leave her three-bedroom flat to me and my husband!
Let me tell you about my neighbour, Lucille. Shes 68 now and had been living alone in her spacious flat. Recently, she decided to rent it out and go travelling.
Her daughter, Emily, came over to complain:
What on earth is my mother doing? Shes let me down so badly! Now my mother-in-law keeps ranting that Ill go just as daft in my old age. The apple doesnt fall far from the tree, she says. And my husband and I just took out a loan for a new car! Were already two months behind on payments. We were counting on Mum to help us outbut no! Shes gone and rented out her flat instead and swanned off on holiday!
I looked at Emily, baffled. Why should her mother be responsible for their car loan? But she carried on:
My mother-in-law is furious that were still living in her place while Mums off gallivanting with her flat sitting empty!
I could tell Emily expected sympathy, but honestly, I think Lucille did the right thing. Shes earned the right to live as she pleases. Since when does retiring mean signing yourself over to your kids and grandkids? Thats hardly fair! So I asked her:
Why dont you and your husband stand on your own two feet? Why didnt you spend the last 15 years saving up for your own home? Then your mother-in-law wouldnt have a leg to stand on.
Emily sighed. We just assumed Mum would retire to some quaint little cottage and hand her flat over to us!
I couldnt resist teasing her: What if Lucille gets married instead? Shes got a friend who went on holiday to Spain, met a lovely bloke, and settled down there. Now shes living her best life. Maybe Lucille will do the same.
Emily just gaped at me. The other day, I saw Lucilles photos onlineshe looked radiant, posting about how shes enjoying every moment. Good for her, I say. Age shouldnt stop anyone from chasing happiness or collecting new adventures. If anything, its the perfect time to start!
