Chapter 20 - The Money Nobody Owed
Mom’s investment account dwindled some over years because she had been generous to Amanda and others.
Not destitute.
She had enough.
At seventy four, she asked me to review budget.
I said:
“Use financial planner.”
Good boundary.
She hired one.
Then asked both daughters to attend one meeting about estate plan.
Transparent.
Her condo.
Retirement accounts.
Beneficiaries 50/50 between Amanda and me.
No equalization based on historical help.
She said:
“I thought about giving Claire more because I helped Amanda more.”
I shook.
“No.”
Amanda too:
“No.”
Mom:
“Why?”
Amanda:
“Because then we fight again after you’re dead.”
Mom laughed.
Planner looked alarmed.
She divided equally.
Specific sentimental items discussed.
No secret.
Then she said:
“I still owe Claire $3,175.”
“No.”
“You do not.”
“I caused cancellation.”
“We settled.”
“Not financially.”
“There is no debt.”
She cried.
This time I took hand.
Not because guilt.
Because it was okay.
“Mom, I don’t want our relationship to become an invoice.”
She nodded.
Dad would have appreciated.
Then she removed a note from estate plan that directed $3,175 extra to me.
Yes, she had added.
May you like
We laughed.
Closed.
