Staying in our totally paid off three bedroom ranch cost more than you would think. Property taxes are high, utilities are high, insurance is high. There were constant repairs to deal with and many new expenses like mowing, fall clean up and snow removal because we physically couldn't handle those jobs anymore.

Our oldest daughter has been working at Ohio State for the last five years (after 7 years at The Beloved) and she encouraged us to consider a move to the Columbus area. We'd do some babysitting and she would haul us around and look out for us when we're really old and feeble (but hopefully not demented.) We're keeping up our end of the bargain and it remains to be seen if she fulfills her part.

In the end, we decided to be renters. We leased a 2 bedroom apartment in a 55+ active living building nearly two years ago. We starting living there full time in December, 2024. There were many trips back to Illinois to get our house ready for sale. We donated stuff, we tossed stuff and we put free stuff on the curb. I found homes for all of the good family keepsakes. The house was listed right around Labor Day last year and it sold quickly.

I have never been happier. Our lives are so simple. Groceries are delivered directly to our kitchen. Our monthly utility bills are always under $100. Renter's insurance is super cheap. And I have the sewing room of my dreams. The biggest downside is that there are crazy Buckeye people everywhere. Our grandson learned to spell O-H-I-O before he learned to spell his name. Sigh.

The important thing is that this was OUR decision. I don't envy you youngsters who might have to force your oldsters to leave their home. Remember the family home is just a building. They will take the memories with them.