Peggy: I think you and Tina need to sit down and agree on what assets are jointly owned and which are separate. Once you have that write down some financial goals as well as family goals and the timeline for those. I keep a team of financial advisors. They handle whatever I need in that area. They also handle Helena’s needs and because of my grandchildren, Winnie’s too. You are part of the family Bette, so you have complete access to them as well. It’s part of the contract. I’ll send you an email detailing the primary contacts and let them know you’ll need their services right away, especially since you are selling the house so soon. I’ll also let the Helena and the caretakers know you’ll be at the house for Memorial Day weekend. One of the caretakers will contact you about a shopping list. Let them know exactly what you want. Once Winnie and Helena leave after Mother’s Day the house is empty for the rest of the month, so if you decide to stay a week or two, that’ll be fine.

Bette: Those are two generous offers and we’ll are happy to accept both.

Peggy: My dear you are very intelligent, but dense on the personal side. You have complete access to the Peabody resources. All you have to do is reach out or ask. The financial advisors have known about helping you, I was just waiting for you to ask. I have houses or condos in a few places but can only be in one at a time. If you want to use one and it’s empty, just ask. Honestly you’ll do me a favor by using them. You’ll justify me keeping them as the help keep the staffs on their toes.

Bette: I think we need to check your drink or end this lunch soon before you give me anything else. I don’t feel like I’ve earned your generosity.

Peggy: That’s why it’s easy to have you as my daughter Bette. This bond between us is just natural, there are no expectations or tit for tat it is just something that binds us.

Bette: Well whatever it is I am grateful for it and appreciate having a mother at this late stage of life.