My dad used to tell me, when he was 72, that he was going to marry his old schoolmate. I was gobsmacked when he dropped that bomb I mean, hed already hit the big seventwo!
Hed been on his own for twenty years since Mum passed away, and Id left home three decades ago to start my own family. I still pop round to see him at Christmas and in the summer, bringing the missus and the kids along. Luckily, my dads a sturdy sort, never whinging about his health, so he still does most of the gardening and chops the wood for winter himself, even though we swing by when he needs a hand.
Just the other day he rang me up and said it was time to bring a lady home. Turns out shes a former classmate they were close back in the day, then drifted off to different towns, lost touch, and now, in their golden years, theyve decided to give it another go. Can you believe it?
When I heard about the wedding, I told him straight away that we werent expecting an invitation for the ceremony, but that didnt stop him. They tied the knot a few months back and had a modest little do.
What was missing from his life that he waited until now to settle down?
The thing is, my dads got a massive house, acres of land and a sizeable farm, and his new wifes got a brood of grandchildren and children whod love to get their hands on the property. So I cant help wondering if this marriage is all about the money.
My wife and I live in a threebed flat that weve been paying the mortgage on for half our lives. We have two kids, and I always thought wed pass the flat on to the older generation and the younger one would inherit the farm. Now we dont know whos going to end up with what.
We havent visited Dad in six months, and honestly, were not keen to after hes started this whole new chapter. Relatives keep calling, telling us we should be thrilled that hes found happiness at his age. Id be happy for him, except for the nagging thought that this lady might just be after his assets, and that well end up tangled in a mess of her family fighting over the place Ive spent half my life in.
Im at a loss. I cant just pretend everythings fine, but I also cant keep ignoring him. What would you suggest how do I get myself out of this sticky spot?
