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Moira's voice cracks as she speaks. In a sense, she's crying quietly. “My dad left her, Michael. He took all the money and drained the accounts, even the ones in mom's name. He left her with nothing, and the house is being foreclosed on.”
I feel sort of anger and disbelief that anyone could be so cruel. How could any man hurt his family like that? “That's awful, Moira. I'm so sorry.” She still hasn't told me how I can help, but I have a feeling she's putting the puzzle pieces together in her mind and she'll tell me as soon as she has an idea.
She sniffles. “The bank is foreclosing on her and she has nowhere to go. She won't move in with me and nothing sounds like an option. She shouldn't be living alone, which is the only thing she wants, and she won't let me put her in a home.”
I can't believe what I'm hearing. It's too much, too cruel, too unfair. That, and I never took Kathy to be unreasonable. Of course, some people are irrational when they're going through the worst grief of their lives and living through their worst moments.
All at once, it's like a light bulb illuminates above my head. “Moira, listen to me. What if she moved in with my dad?”
She doesn't say anything for a long moment, and I can't help but worry. She thinks the idea is a bad one. “I'd have to call him first to make sure he's okay with it, but he has a big house, plenty of room, and I'm sure he'd love the company. He's been pretty lonely, even with the help.” I know he craves real one-on-one companionship from normal, everyday people - not just the ones that are hired to be there for him.
“You'd do that for us?” She sounds stunned, and I can't help but wonder why.
“Of course, I would. I love you and I will do anything to help your mother.” It's the first time I've said the words and I hear her breath hitch on the other end of the line. “I don't know when it happened and it just kind of snuck up on me. You don't have to say it back. I just want you to know. And this offer is not conditional in any way. Other than that my dad agrees, of course.”
She pauses for a moment, then softly says, “Thank you, Michael. That means so much to me.”
My heart swells, and then I realize that time is of the essence. “I'm going to hang up with you and call my dad. That gives you a chance to talk to your mom and make sure she is willing, and then I will call you back in a few moments, okay?” I keep my voice calm and reassuring, and she agrees with me.
“That sounds good. Talk to you soon.”
With that, I end the call and dial my father's number.
“Hi, Michael!” he says.
“Hey, Dad. I have a friend who's going through a hard time right now. Can she stay with you?”
He doesn't even hesitate, but says, “Of course.”
Relief flows through me. It’s the answer I expected, but still it's nice to hear. “Thank you, Dad. Things might happen pretty quickly. Is that still okay?”
“It's not like I'm busy. Bring your friend over any time.” Dad's absolutely agreeable attitude brings a smile to my face.
“Aren't you going to ask the usual questions? Like, how long is this person going to be here? Is it a man or a woman? How old are they? Anything?” Sometimes I worry about him; he’s too trusting.
“Son, I trust you absolutely.” His words make me feel good inside, and I can't help but smile again.
“Okay, well, I'm going to get off the phone and go let them know that this is a viable option. I wanted to get your okay first. Love you, talk to you later.” He echoes my sentiment and I hang up the phone.
I call Moira back and begin pacing my living room. Thankfully, Cynthia and Grace are gone - she’d hurried out after my angry words. Maybe this time she’ll see I mean business and stop messing with me.
“My dad gave his permission, but he has no idea what he's about to experience.” I didn't give him a single detail about Kathy, and I hear Moira laugh on the other end of the line.
“Well, my mom has an idea what she's getting into, and she agreed.” Moira sounds surprised that her mom was willing to come live with my dad. I can't help but feel like it's going to be a good thing for her.
“He's a good guy.” He might be just the fix to help her get over a broken heart and remind her that life is absolutely beautiful and worth living. Because I can imagine she feels completely dejected and shattered right about now.
I also can't help but feel a glimmer of hope. There's something so warm and kind in Moira’s voice.
“What is the next step?” I ask, well aware that I’m walking in blind. “Did he take everything with him or should I get on the phone with some movers? I know a guy.”
“He didn't take everything. We definitely need movers. Should I set up a storage for her stuff or do you have space for it there?”
I absolutely love how we're coming together seamlessly as a team to solve this problem.
“There's no need to get a storage unit. I have space on the property where she can put her things. Or if it makes her more comfortable, she can put her things in her space so that she has them around her.” I just want to make sure this is the best possible situation for her because she's going to need time to heal from what she's been through and get back on her feet.
Which also reminds me only to reach out to my father's caretakers and let them know there will be one more person on the premises and adjust their earnings accordingly.
