Can you believe we are more than halfway through the month of June already?
I turn around and it’s trash day again! The silly fireworks will be popping and scaring all the darned dogs way too soon and, honestly, I tire of rounding up every gosh-darned purchase to the nearest dollar as a donation to the silly thing.
I’m just an old grouch, I suppose. My quandary at this moment is whether to up and move close to my unappreciative kid or stay put and stop worrying about who will find my cold dead body, which FYI will be on the couch in front of the not-so big screen TV. (Thank you in advance for editing my spelling and grammar.)
The real problem is my darling daughter-in-law. She’d rather I not visit at all, let alone move nearby. The mere suggestion that I might be of assistance with the children, take them to their activities, help them with their homework or, heavens to Betsy, bring them to Sunday school is shunned. Her mother, after all, lives less than a mile away and has free access to the grandkids. The kids barely know me.
I could sell my cabin, which I love, but the next home would have to be a mobile home in a humble park. But there might be a swimming pool and a hot tub! I’m active in our community and have many friends here. I’m 79 years old. Any advice for this curmudgeon?
Just Drifting in CPP
Dear Drifting,
Being able to share precious time with the grandkids is a joy, but it sounds to me that this move could end in nothing but heartache for you.
You’ve made it tough for me to come to a fair conclusion, however, as you’ve not shared vital information, such as: How far away does your son live? How large is the equity in your home? Do you still drive long distances? Do you bowl on Thursdays with the other ole coots? Are you willing to give up your investment in this community and the roots you have laid to take on an unknown adventure? Has your son expressed the desire for you to sell and move? Are you able to treat your family to a holiday here on the mountain maybe twice a year? And the big question: Does the other grandmother truly like to share? (My sister didn’t like to share – no, siree – not even a plate of Eggs Benedict.)
Personally, at your age the mere idea of packing, moving and unpacking would send me into a frenzy. And don’t forget the ridiculous space rent on a mobile home! Why over at the Valley of Enchantment Park the space rent is a thousand clams a month and there’s not even one little hot tub.
Honestly, if I were you, I’d wait until I could no longer drive before suggesting that my son come and get me. Whether he does or not, well, there’s the final answer to your question.
Sidney
Send your questions for Sidney to Sidney@thealpinemountaineer.com or by snail mail to Dear Sidney, The Alpine Mountaineer, P.O. Box 4572, Crestline, CA 92325.
This advice is intended for entertainment purposes only. No animals were harmed in the writing of this column.
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