Living the DREAM

She had come to an exciting decision about her future, but how would her children react?

- Sheelagh Mooney

When did the role reversal take place? Some time when my mind was elsewhere, that’s for sure. One minute, I was coasting along, just emerging from that phase where I had teenagers and elderly parents to care for simultaneously. Now I was being confronted by my children’s fears that I was getting on a bit and might not be up to managing my domestic affairs any more.

Louise, my eldest and ever the official spokesperson for the three, had apparently spotted me looking into the estate agent’s window in town and had immediately jumped to the not-entirelyincorrect conclusion that I was looking to downsize.

‘You are absolutely right, Mum. You’re rattling around in this house and that garden has clearly got too much for you.’ She pointed out of the window at the long grass that I had let grow, mowing only pathways through it to encourage bees, butterflies and other wildlife. So much for the younger generation being more environmentally conscious, I inwardly mused. If Louise had her way, the garden would be paved over.

‘You should sell up and buy one of the one-bedroom apartments near us. They’re fabulous, really high-spec, and you’d be able to spend more time with Katy and Calum. They would love to see more of you,’ she added pointedly.