Margaret: I agree with that. When John died, I fortunately was the one who handled all our finances. But if I had gone first, John would have been lost.  But I just could not get him involved in the process. He would just say. “You do such a good job; you know I’m no good with money. I trust you to take care of things for us. We will be fine.” I gave up trying to get him involved.  I made all the decision as to when we bought a new car, where we went on vacation, where Johnny would go to school. John loved Johnny, but they were more like weekend buddies than father and son.

Mary: And you lost Johnny when he was what twenty-one in an automobile accident?

Margaret: Yes. My life changed after that. John suddenly became an old man. His health started to fail. All he wanted to do was watch sports on the weekends. It was almost like I lost my son and my husband at the same time.  John was still there physically, but he never got back into his normal routine. He was sweet, he just lost his zest for life when Johnny died and never got it back. But he was my husband for another 20 years after Johnny died.

Bette: I know that was hard for you Margaret. The loss of your son, and then your husband what three years ago and now the loss of Mildred.

Tina: Margaret, we are your family now. We have accumulated quiet an array of extended family and I think you are going to be a very welcomed member. They will all be here for Thanksgiving and most everyone will be going to Scotland with us.

Margaret: I feel very fortunate to be here. I cannot imagine what my life would be if you girls had not offered me a place to stay. Now, if I start to get on your nerves, you let me know.

Bette: Margaret, you have been the perfect housemate. We are glad to have you and you are welcomed to live here as long as you like. Besides, you are keeping Mary out of mischief and you are helping us get her acclimated to Santa Monica. And we appreciate what you do for us and as Tina says:  you are now family.