Wed held onto this hope for so long that my mother would finally 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, a sprightly woman who lived alone in her spacious three-bedroom flat. Not long ago, Margaret decided to rent out her place and set off on a holiday adventure.
Her daughter, Jane, came knocking on my door one afternoon, the weight of disappointment written all over her face. What is Mum playing at? I cant believe shes let me down like this! Now my mother-in-law is ranting that Ill end up losing the plot just like her. She keeps saying, The apple never falls far from the tree. And its not as if things havent been hard enoughmy husband and I only just got a loan for a car! Were already two months behind with the payments. We were counting on Mum to help us out! But no, shes gone and let us down, renting out her flat and trotting off on holiday!
I looked at Jane, genuinely puzzledwhy should her mother pick up the tab for their car loan? But Jane just shook her head, pressing on, Now my mother-in-law is at her wits end, furious that were still living in her house, while my own mum is off living her best life!
I could tell Jane wanted my sympathy, but honestly, I thought Margaret had done exactly the right thing. Why should she be expected to give up her own happiness just because shes retired? Why do people assume that a woman, once she clocks out of work for the last time, owes her life to her children and grandchildren? That cant be right. I asked Jane:
Why not rely on you and your husband instead? Why havent you spent the last fifteen years of marriage saving up for a place of your own? Then your mother-in-law wouldnt have a leg to stand on.
Jane explained, her voice barely above a whisper, We just hoped Mum would retire, move somewhere quiet in the Cotswolds, and pass the flat over to us. We really thought it would happen…
I decided to lighten the mood and teased Jane, Well, perhaps Margaret will find herself a new romance too. You know, my friends mother went on holiday in Spain, met a charming gentleman, married him, and now she lives there in the sun, happier than ever. It could happen to Margaret as well.
Jane stared at me in disbelief. A few days later, I spotted Margarets holiday snaps on Facebookshe was having the time of her life. She wrote about how happy and carefree she felt, enjoying every moment. I couldnt help but feel a surge of joy for her. In my view, she made the right call. Age isnt a barrier to happiness, and theres no deadline for making new, wonderful memories.
