Pretending To Be In A Tight Spot, I Asked For One Safe Night Indoors. My Well-Off Kids Said It Wouldn’t Work. Only My Youngest Son, A Teacher, Took Me In, Ready To Sell His Wedding Ring To Cover Groceries. Next Morning, My Lawyer Arrived With A $100m Check, And Their Expressions Changed…

“I’m up,” I said, closing the laptop. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong.

Donald and I were just talking about our conversation tonight and we realized we might have seemed a bit pushy. We’re just worried about you.”

The fake concern in her voice made my stomach turn. “I appreciate that, dear.”

“We want you to know that whatever you decide, we’re here for you.

But mom, I have to ask, are you having any financial difficulties? The treatments, the medication, it must be expensive.”

There it was. The real reason for the late night call.

They weren’t worried about my health. They were worried about my bank account. How much was left?

How quickly was it being depleted? How soon could they swoop in and take control? “I’m managing,” I said carefully.

“Because if you need help, we can look into some programs. There are ways to restructure your assets to qualify for assistance. Donald knows people who specialize in elder care planning.”

Elder care planning.

The euphemism made my skin crawl. What Sandra was really suggesting was that I hide or transfer my assets to qualify for government assistance, letting taxpayers fund my care while my daughter inherited my wealth. “That’s thoughtful of you, Sandra, but I’m not ready for that conversation yet.”

“I understand, but Mom, time isn’t on our side here.

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