The Egman’s grandma lives by herself and is getting to the point where the stairs and kitchen are a hassle, and she just lost her driver’s license. Also, his aunt was staying over with her on weeknights because her house is closer to his aunt’s job, but she’s retiring and won’t be doing that anymore.

So his family has come to that point where decisions have to be made, and, of course, emotions are making reasonable decisions hard. The Egman’s grandfather and great uncles built the house, so she of course wants to stay in it, and no one wants it to leave the family even if she doesn’t. They’re going through every possible scenario where she might possibly be able to stay there.

As an outside observer, I just see a lonely woman alone in a house that is in no way designed or ready to meet her needs and she can’t leave because she can’t drive anymore. I also see an assisted living community two blocks from her church where several of her friends live and can meet all of her needs for the time being.

I KNOW it’s not as simple decision, but I’m hoping that the assisted living apartment is the route they go with rather than time consuming and unrealistic schemes like the family taking turns staying overnight there. (They all live at least an hour away, and it’s the Midwest; impassable winter roads are not unheard of. What if no one can get there and the power goes out for days?)

I also know it’s mostly none of my business making any suggestions or comments. So QUIET is the key word. I will just park myself at the in-law table (we tend to congregate safely outside of the immediate-family battle zone and have more light-hearted conversations) and be there for the Egman.