I had grand hopes that my mum would retire, move to the countryside, and hand over her lovely three-bedroom flat to me and my husband!
Let me tell you about my neighbour, Margaret. Shes 68 now, and used to live alone in her spacious flat. Just recently, she rented out the whole place and set off on a grand holiday.
Her daughter, Eloise, cornered me for a chat, looking rather exasperated:
What does my mum think shes doing? Shes let me down terribly! Now my mother-in-law keeps shrieking that Ill go completely bonkers in old age, just like the apple never falls far from the tree, she says. My husband and I just took out a car loan! Weve missed payments for two months. I was totally banking on Mum to help out! But what does she do? Rents out the flat and swans off on holiday!
I stared at Eloise rather baffled why on earth should her mum pay off their car loan? Eloise just kept going:
My mother-in-laws absolutely fuming that were still living in her flat, while my mums one is empty and rented out!
Eloise clearly wanted a bit of sympathy, but frankly, I think Margaret made the right call. Shes earned the right to live as she pleases. Why do people assume that once a woman retires, she ought to transform into a round-the-clock granny and chief family problem solver? Honestly, its not on! So I asked Eloise:
Why not rely on yourself and your husband a bit more? Why, in fifteen years of marriage, havent you managed to get your own place? That way your mother-in-law wouldnt have anything to moan about.
Eloise replied:
I was so sure that once my mum retired shed move to the country, and Id get her three-bedroom flat!
I decided a little gentle ribbing wouldnt go amiss:
Well, what if Margaret gets married herself? I knew a lady who went on a holiday to Spain, met a lovely man there and tied the knot. Now shes living happily ever after. Maybe Margaret will do just the same!
At this, Eloise gaped at me. Id actually just seen some photos of Margaret online she looked positively radiant. Shed written that she was making the most of her retirement and soaking up life. I was really chuffed for her. Honestly, I think shes spot on. Age is no barrier to joy, and its never too late for new and delightful adventures.
