VftSW; Another Reason for Reading the Classics

I’m talking to an old guy at coffee hour after church. Like most retires he says “I got so much to do, I don’t know how I got anything accomplished while I was working.” Over the years he grows frailer. Hearing aids plug both his ears. He has a touch of the palsy and the strength of voice comes and goes. He then mumbled something about not being able to get his contractors to finish up. I recalled vaguely he needed some landscaping done. He said every time he started something his daughter got involved for what she wanted to do. Knowing his daughter I could see her figuring on saving money for both of them by merging their projects. I could also see her making sure the work got done! I said so. He muttered several things as the volume of his voice waned, then loudly and firmly, “Worst mistake I ever made!” “What’s that?” “Giving her the house.” He said with a shake of his head and sad expression Ends up he had read some articles on estate planning and probate. That’s when he gave his sole heir and daughter his house. I thought she is taking care of the old guy, but the maintenance is now in terms of what she wants for the property not what he wants. End up I was wrong. “I would have had a new house years ago, without stairs.” He stated with emotion this time. As his strength faded again he confessed that he turned one of his businesses over to his son-in-law and now the old guy’s friends belittle him with how everything has gone downhill. I made a comment about reading “King Lear” more to myself than he. He didn’t get the literary reference. “You need to import yourself a Pilipino wife. She’ll look out for your interests!” That put the smile back on the old guys face!