For a long time, every New Year, I made a Resolution, and every year I’ve broken it, or them.
Who wants to promise to lose weight, stop smoking, or whatever it might be you would like to change in your life. Watching the big crystal ball drop on the stroke of midnight in New York City has little or no impression for me to change my behavior or make those changes.
New Years Day is just that. The start of a new year. A time to reflect on the end of something and the beginning of something brand new. I prefer to emphasis the Reflect angle.
There have been many times in my 85 years, which I must now realize, when I have made mistakes, perhaps hurt someone’s feelings or ignored some issue that would cause then pain. I know I don’t get a “do over,” but I do have another opportunity to make things right.
I realize that just because I have always done something, one way does not mean it is still the best or right way. It might not be the big things, but could be the small things that are more important
My daughter and I share our home and have for almost four years. She cares for me in every aspect of my life, including my health, my wellbeing, and my day to day needs. I appreciate and love her more than I can explain. She also works 40 hours a week.
Over the years, I’ve had a concerning physical problem. I was diagnosed when I was 30 with degenerate arthritis of the lumbar. It has slowly but surely taken its toll. The list of what I can do is much shorter than the list of what I can’t do.
When two women, especially Mother and Daughter, share their adult lives, there is a transition. The baton is passed, changes are apparent, and compatibility can be a real test of endurance. I am so fortunate, but I also realize what I was giving up and what she was taking on. Egos and anger have no place, but I would be less than honest if I gave the impression that that never happens.
She has made changes to make her life more accessible in our cottage on the lake. Initially, I felt a sense of loss, but moving some pictures off the wall so she could have one she loves seemed so petty, so I said nothing. And that is not something I’m known for doing. And, her picture is just perfect where it hangs.
And rearranging some items in the kitchen is not a hill to die on, as my husband would say. It’s her kitchen now, and that’s just fine with me.
At our home, the ball has not been dropped but passed.
– Isobel from Hot Springs, Arkansas, a FAR customer who is finding purpose in this new stage of her life.
* The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of the Finance of America Reverse (LLC).
This article is intended for general informational and educational purposes only, and should not be construed as financial or tax advice. For more information about whether a reverse mortgage may be right for you, you should consult an independent financial advisor. For tax advice, please consult a tax professional.
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