I Was Taken To The Hospital And Couldn’t Respond. The Doctors Called My Son, But He Said, “I’m Busy, I’m Taking My Wife To Dinner—She Needs Me Tonight.” Even After Being Told My Condition Was Serious. One Week Later, I Walked Out Of The Hospital And Made A Call To The Accounts Office. Two Hours Later, He Showed Up At My HOUSE IN A RUSH.

I want answers. What have you done?”

I settled into my favorite armchair. The one I had bought used 20 years ago because I couldn’t afford new furniture after paying for his MBA.

“I’ve taken control of my finances, dear. At my age, it’s important to be organized.”

“Organize?” His voice cracked. “Mom, you’ve closed accounts that I need access to.

The business account, the emergency fund.”

“Those were my accounts, Michael.”

“But I use them. You know I use them.”

“I know you do. That’s exactly the problem.”

He stared at me as if I were speaking a foreign language.

The concept that I might not want him to have unlimited access to my money had apparently never occurred to him. “Mom, I don’t understand. We’ve always shared accounts.

It’s practical. If something happens to you, I can take care of your finances.”

“Something did happen to me, Michael. I nearly died last week.”

“I know, but where—”

“Where were you?”

The question hung in the air like a blade.

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