When people get old, some families struggle with the demand of eldercare while others remain dedicated to supporting and providing for their elderly relatives.
Paul and Rachel, a brother and sister, got into an argument over their elderly grandmother Eleanor.
The old lady spent her days painting, and according to Paul, she became a burden because she didn’t contribute to the finances of the family.
Hearing Paul’s words, Rachel was shocked. “Paul, she’s our grandmother. She raised us, remember?” she said. But Paul was determined to kick his grandma out of his home. “That was then. Things are different now,” he said, crossing his arms. “She doesn’t bring anything to the table anymore. She just sits there, painting and wasting time.”
“Those paintings mean something to her,” Rachel said. “And they could mean something to us if we let them.”
“Sentimental nonsense. I need to think about the future, Rachel. We can’t afford dead weight.”
Realizing he was no longer planning to take care of their grandma, Rachel found herself wondering what life would bring for the elderly lady. It was then that Paul suggested Rachel taking grandma Eleanor in. “She can stay with you,” he said bluntly. “You seem to care so much.”
Rachel agreed. There was no way that she would leave her grandma without a roof over her head, although her brother’s demand left her with a bitter taste in her mouth.
Grandma Eleanor got the spare room in Rachel’s house. It became a nice place that felt cozy and felt like home. She could paint there, with the help of Rachel’s children who adored her and loved listening to her stories.
“Thank you, Rachel. You’ve always had a kind heart.”
“Grandma, you don’t need to thank me. This is your home too,” Rachel said, hugging her tightly.