My daughter-in-law laughed as she gave me a $2 scratch-off for my 73rd birthday. Ten months later, my own son shoved a senior living brochure in front of me and said, “We already picked your room.” They thought I was too old to fight back. They had no idea what I had been hiding.

Your parents still have their lease.

I’m living somewhere else now because I wanted a home of my own.”

She was quiet.

Then she asked, “Will I still be able to come over and bake cookies?”

“Of course.

I’ll ask your parents to arrange a visit.

I even have an oven that works better than the old one.”

“Do you have my purple mixing bowl?”