The Final Thread

Mom’s home sold this evening. Well, to be honest, anything can happen between now and the actual day that it literally gets sold. However, it was a rough day for her. Her voice was different, she didn’t even bother to go in the other room when the real estate agent called. I believe she was in shock.

I was not quite sure if I should have heard the conversation, but we have an open concept home, and I was cooking dinner. Other than turn off the stove, and leave the room, what could I have done?

I got her a pad of paper, once I saw that she was trying to take notes in an already used sticky-note she had sitting there. I mean, come on. These are the moments that bring out my protective response. I can’t bear to see her confused or anxious, without stepping in to help.  Selling the home was the final thread to her 7 years of living in their dream location, the passing of her husband, and so much freedom.

After the call, she came in and started telling me 100 reasons why she wanted to sell to these particular buyers. Speaking faster and faster, she rattled off so many things, one would think that it was a dump on skidroe, instead of a lovely ranch in a private community. Was she convincing me or herself?

Honestly, I believe she was gearing up to convince my husband. She is more comfortable in that role: Asking permission. I, however, think it is her darn house. As long as she wants to sell it, makes a common sense decision to sell it, and gets at least *something* out of it, let her!

So, I went behind her back. Yes, dear readers, I did. I sent a text to my husband, who was still at work. I told him she had the call, and that she was going to talk to him when he got home. I did not tell mom that he already knew. My reasoning was that if he already knew the basic story, when she stammered out her nervous thoughts, he could *hear* her and respond accordingly.

It actually worked! She was able to get the validation she needed to feel like she made the right decision, and my poor dh, tired from 8+ hours of mind numbing office politics, did not have to sort out what in the world was going on.

I think that this was a hard step, but from listening to her, it was also huge relief. She was really becoming concerned that there was a home sitting thousands of miles away, being taken care of by hired people.

So, although this is a sad day for mom, I think that it will ease her stress somewhat, knowing that it is sold.

Now, if only we could do something about her stress level in other areas..