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.

I looked at her carefully.

“What did you hope would happen when you told me you had chosen where I would live?”

“That you would realize we were trying to help.”

“Without asking whether I wanted help.”

She brushed a strand of hair from her face.

“You don’t know what it’s like to balance two jobs and children.”

“I raised Colin while working and helping Arthur run his business.

I know it’s difficult.