Mom's Story-Catch & Keep

(Mom's story-Catch & Release is a continuation from July 23, and 29)

We had been given only a short time to find and furnish a small apartment for Tom's mom at an assisted living facility. A few weeks before her release from the rehab center, Mom was excited about returning to her beautiful home and beloved car. But, her enthusiasm turned to dread when her doctor told her the pneumonia had altered her body and mind forever, and she could no longer live alone or drive.

We knew finding a place that was best suited for Mom would be a challenge, but the difficulties exceeded our expectations. In their eagerness to get Mom to come live with them, they offered her the moon and beyond, but the offers, we discovered later, were shrouded with ambiguities and inconsistencies and outright lies. The promises made in the comfortable setting of a lush office were no where to be found or were contradicted in the sixty-five page contract we had to sign but did not read. Who reads every word in a sixty-five page contract?

With two days remaining before we had to move a four-bedroom house into a small apartment, Tom's mom said "yes" to a man who gained her confidence and affection by his charm, smile, and promises.  We signed the voluminous contract and wrote a check for $2,500, a non-refundable move-in fee. (Mr. Charm said the fee was normally $5,000, but, for us, he would cut it in half. How nice of him.)

The morning before the move, we developed buyers' remorse. Unable to sleep and looking for something to read, I picked up the contract. On page one, in very small letters, I read: Move-in fee $3,000. The blatant lie was a deal breaker.

With one day left, we were back at square one. The contract with Mr. Charm was voided and our $2,500 check returned. Now, with full knowledge of how the game of Catch & Keep works, we headed out again. This time we knew the questions to ask and were able to discern reality from bullshit. We found an apartment perfect for Mom, and with no time to spare, it was furnished with her favorite things. But will she go willingly or will we have to carry her there, kicking and screaming?

Mom's Story to be continued