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.

“Our policy requires the prospective resident’s informed participation.

Families sometimes start inquiries for a loved one, but we don’t admit capable adults without their agreement.”

I thanked her.

She offered to mail me information about optional short-term stays and community programs.

I accepted.

There was no reason to blame a facility for what my family had done, and I might someday want services I did not need now.

After the call, I mailed the brochure back to Colin with a short note: I hope you understand why this hurt.