My son and his wife gave me a flat when I retired
On that day, my son and daughter-in-law came over and handed me a set of keys, then took me to see a solicitor. I was so moved I couldnt get a word out, so I just whispered,
Why are you giving me such an expensive gift? I dont need this!
Its a retirement bonus, you can let the flat out! my son told me.
At that point, I hadnt even sorted out my pension yetId only just finished work and retired. And theyd organised all of this on their own without consulting me. I tried to refuse, but they told me not to argue.
My relationship with my daughter-in-law hasnt always been smooth; sometimes things were calm, and then suddenly thered be a storm out of nowhere. Both of us were at fault at times. It took us ages to get used to each other. We both had to learn to hold our tongues and not turn every disagreement into a row. But for the past few years, thankfully, weve finally found some peace.
When my sister-in-law found out about the present, she immediately rang up to congratulate me, then praised herself, Well, I must have raised a good daughter if she didnt mind her husband giving you such a generous present! Then she said she personally would never accept such a gift and would have given it up for her grandson.
That night, I lay awake wondering if I could manage on just my pension. Truth be told, I didnt need much. In the morning, I called my grandson in and, very gently, tried to ask if he might want to settle into the flat. Hes turning sixteen soon, university isnt far off, hell be seeing a girl, and he cant exactly invite her over to his parents place.
Granddad, dont worry! I want to earn my own way in life! my grandson replied.
Every single person turned down the flat. I offered it to my daughter-in-law, my grandson, even my son.
I remembered something that happened to my older sister: her sister-in-law got rid of her house and ended up having to move into shared accommodation, and she clung to that tiny room as if it were a lifeline.
Our uncle Hes been gone for fifteen years, and his family are still at odds, unable to divide his estate without falling out.
I remembered a television programme Id seen, where the parents signed over their house to their son. He kicked them out and then sold the house, leaving the parents homeless.
I cried that evening, though Im not sure if it was from gratitude or pride in my own children. After I finally sorted out my pension, I learned Id receive two thousand pounds. Not long after, my son let out my flat for three thousand pounds a month. Thats when I truly realised just how generous my childrens gift wasit was fit for royalty!
