A year after we lost my Dad,  Dot moved into a condo that we totally renovated. She purchased new furniture and window treatments and was quite comfortable and content.

Let me preface this by saying that we are a very close family and she is at the center because of her unconditional love, amazing personality and sense of humor. She is more of a contemporary  than an elder and is a special part of my social circle. We have played in the same Bunko group for over 40 years. Megan calls her” Switzerland” because she tries to stay neutral when there is any conflict.

Before we began house hunting in earnest, we told Dot that we  were planning a space for her in the new home. We told her that she didn’t have to come with us right away, but that we were going to be sure that there was a place when she was ready. She told us that she would think it over. Two days later she  said that if we were sure, then she was IN! Jim assured her that this is what we all wanted.

I’m not sure that this arrangement would work for every family. But we set out to make this home belong to all of us. Dot and Bryan were not moving in with Jim and Vicki; we would be sharing a home together. They are both paying rent and contributing to food costs. Each paid for certain aspects of the renovations.

Our Plum Tree home required an elevator and three remodeled bathrooms , so we knew that it would be 3-4 months before move in. Dot put her condo on the market and sold it in just a few days to someone who wanted two-week possession. She had to be out by October 31.

The timeline is a little crazy here, I had had major surgery on August 1 so I am less than 100%. At the same time, Jim was being treated for Crohn’s Disease.( I left that out of the beginning because I didn’t want to sound like a soap opera, but it is important now because of what is coming next) On October 14 (Our 48th Wedding Anniversary) Jim had a tumor removed. Seems it wasn’t  Crohn’s after all….just a touch of cancer! The Docs felt that they had removed it all but still recommended Chemo.

He came to Dot’s condo from the hospital so that we could care for him while we packed. Again, our incredible Megan had come to help care for her Dad while I worked only to be a part of the great move.