Those of you that know me well know that my relationship with my mother has always been 'challenging'. Since 2008, those 'challenges' have increased. As much as I am the quintessential Leo, mom is a textbook Gemini. I never know which version I'm going to get when I call or visit her. The fact that our relationship has always been a battle is something that has always upset me but I've pretty much made my peace with it. That said, she still knows how to push my buttons. She did install them afterall. We are now embarking on another challenging adventure.....she's moving into a retirement facility.
In 2008, my parents moved from the house they had been in for 42 year into a condo. Their health issues and age made staying in that house completely impractical. I took on the mother of all downsizing projects. In 42 years, they had thrown out nothing. Just to give you an example, I found paint cans dating back to the pre-historic era. Dad's theory was, we have the room, why get rid of it. I had to battle my mother on every item I tried to throw away. Seeing as I had years of practice battling her, I came out the victor.
The condo she moved into was very nice. Even nicer after my friends and I spent the evening prior to the move re-painting it and my friend H spent 6 hours attacking the kitchen with a steam cleaning machine. Turns out those kitchen cupboards were actually white. Dad didn't get to spend much time with her there unfortunately and since he's been gone, she's been lonely. So she decided a retirement facility is where she'd like to go. But not until she sold the condo.
One year ago we started that journey. I figured the condo would sell reasonably quickly and within a few months I could resume my life. Not so. The real estate market was not in my favor and mom complained everytime someone came to view the condo. Remember the movie Groundhog Day? That was me. I had to repeat the same scenario each time there was an upcoming viewing. People don't buy real estate without looking at it first. Then in periods where there were no viewings, she'd complain about how lonely she was and in the same conversation say how the neighbors were too nosy and chatty. WTF. My dad once said, when people get old, they get funny. How true. But my mom has always been funny and not in the ha ha kind of way.
With the listing close to expiring, mom had had enough and decided she didn't want any more showings. She was just going to stay put. I'm sure my decision to return to Vancouver on a more permanent basis helped her make that decision. And then the unexpected happened, we got an offer. My anxiety level went through the roof at the thought of telling her but to my surprise, she was very calm. Lulled into a false sense of security, I proceeded with the negotiations and an acceptable offer was made. When I called her with the good news, she freaked. After screaming at me for 15 minutes, I had to hang up. Thank goodness I have a well stocked bar.
Realizing she was scared because she had no idea where she was going to live next (with me is NOT an option), I set up a couple of appointments at retirement facilities. We had done quite a few tours last year so I had a good idea as to where we wanted to go and found 2 places with availability. Yesterday we headed out on that adventure. I am happy to report that our journey was successful. That doesn't mean it was a cake walk but it ended well. She found a lovely apartment in a nice facility where she will be taken care of and I will be able to start drinking less. OK, that last bit is a bit of a stretch considering I have to get through another move with her.
So downsizing part 2 begins. It will be a breeze after the last one but you may want to buy shares in Belvedere because I see increased sales for them in the next few months.
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