The lad is away

Friday, 5:04 pm

By Kate

The lad and his Dad took off for Grandma’s house yesterday afternoon. It was sort of an unexpected trip, but Grandma finds herself in a quandary. She’s a widow going on two years now and thought that it may be time to move into a retirement community.

I believe she had all her ducks lined up in a row, but had a serious case of cold feet when the move came closer to reality. She’s put on the brakes for now. I think she’s overwhelmed. Having raised her children and lived a long life in her home, it’s hard to leave it behind and begin all over again at the age of 80.

The boys went out to help her think it out and help sort through a lifetime of belongings, if that’s what she decides to do. Mainly, the idea is...do what you are comfortable with doing and then let’s consider the options related to that decision. She is in excellent health with unlimited mobility, so that’s not a current consideration. Letting go of one’s home is a hard process and, maybe, not always the best choice—depending on the individual.

So here I am with the phone ringing off the hook as usual. Today is a school holiday and the phone began early and often. It finally occurred to me that it’s pretty easy to amend the message on the answering machine. I recorded a new one this morning that immediately states the lad is out of town for the weekend. I should have thought of that long ago. Now the phone rings, they listen to the message and hang up. For once, the answering machine won’t be full to overflowing by the end of the day. Nor will I have to endlessly repeat that he’s away when I do answer the phone. Cool beans!

When the lad called me a while ago to let me know they arrived in one piece and all is well, he cracked up at the message. How many people have called, he wondered. A Lot, I told him. Made him feel special. ;)