We were so sure that Mum would finally retire, buy herself a little cottage in the countryside, and hand over her spacious three-bedroom flat to me and my husband!
Let me tell you about my neighbour, Margaret. Shes sixty-eight nowa spirited woman, living alone in her nice three-bedroom flat. Just the other day, Margaret let out her place and jetted off on a holiday.
Her daughter, Emily, turned up at my door, utterly exasperated.
What on earth is my mother doing? I cant believe shes let me down like this! Now my mother-in-law keeps going on that Ill lose the plot in my old age too. She keeps saying, The apple doesnt fall far from the tree. On top of that, Tom and I only just took out a loan for a new car! Were already two months behind on payments. We were relying so much on Mumthought shed help us out. But what does she do? She lets her flat and goes gallivanting!
I blinked at Emily in surprise; why should her mum be responsible for paying off their car? But she went on:
My mother-in-laws absolutely furious that were living with her, in her own flat, while my mums off renting, living the life!
I could tell Emily wanted me to sympathise. But honestly, I thought Margaret had every right to do as she pleased. Why is it that, as soon as a woman retires, shes expected to devote her life to her children and grandchildren? That just isnt fair! So I asked:
Why shouldnt you and Tom sort yourselves out? Build something for yourselves, instead of banking on your mum? Youve been married fifteen years now. If youd made a plan back then, maybe even managed a little flat of your own, you wouldnt have to put up with your mother-in-laws lectures.
Emily sighed.
We really hoped Mum would retire and move to a village, so we could finally have her three-bedroom flat!
I couldnt help teasing her a little.
What if Margaret finds herself a husband? My friends mum went on holiday to Spain, met a lovely gentleman, and ended up marrying him. Shes living out there now, happy as anything. Margaret might just do the same, you know!
Emily stared at me, completely flabbergasted. Not long after, I saw pictures of Margaret onlineshe looked relaxed, radiant, thoroughly enjoying herself. It made me smile.
At her age, why shouldnt she chase her own happiness? Getting older doesnt mean giving up on joy or adventure. If anything, its a chance to embrace them.
