Page 26 - Ready Set Retire

Stephen J. Kelley

Somewhat over 20 years ago my wife and I moved out of
California where we had both grown up – she in Sacramento,
and I in Orange County – to New England, where we reside
today. One time I had to travel to Orange County to visit a
client, and took the opportunity to visit my parents. By this
time, they had sold the family home and purchased a very nice
home in a 55+ community. It was much smaller than where
we grew up, but it had an extra bedroom so I could stay with
them.

Anyway, my plan was to rent a car, but Mom wouldn’t hear of
it. “Of course, you will use one of our cars,” she told me.
Though reluctant to impose any more than I was already doing
by staying with them, I agreed. I took a shuttle from the airport
and arrived in time for dinner the night before I was to show
up onsite at my client’s office. I remember we had my Mom’s
fabulous meat loaf, homemade cheesy scalloped potatoes, and
fresh peas, which had been a favorite of mine as a child.

After dinner, the conversation shifted to the matter of the car.
So, both Mom and Dad collected their calendars and brought
them into the table to compare notes. After about 20-30
minutes of discussion it became very clear there was not a
moment during their day that either of them could spare either
car!

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