Three Generations Under One Roof – Mom Moves in With Us

After 47 years in the same house in Maryville, my mom finally moved. She had always said that if she got to the point she didn’t enjoy living by herself or couldn’t take care of a house she’d move. Mom has macular degeneration, and has had a few light strokes. She’s blind in one eye, and has reduced vision in the other. She needs help reviewing her bills and doing some small things, but she can still cook and clean for herself.

Melissa and I had told her years ago she was welcome to move in with us, and that’s what she did. Our house has an attached apartment. I had been renting it out since I bought the place, and now mom rents it. She remodeled it to suit her, and she’s incredibly happy. It’s just the right size for her to take care of, she’s next door to us, but she has her privacy, and Melissa and I do, too.

We’ve got three generations of Joneses in the same house now. Katie loves it. She gets to spend time every day with grandma now. On the days Melissa has school I’ve been going over to mom’s for breakfast and coffee, which is nice. Mom can keep Katie for a few hours at a time, which gives Melissa and I time to get things done around the house without a baby under our feet. Even the cats like it. Our cat Milo goes over there every day for a treat and to visit for a few hours. Gracie the cat is getting curious now, and is warming up to the idea of going next door.

Mom’s overjoyed. She gets to see us and especially Katie every day now, and she got to leave behind some problems that were getting to be overwhelming at her age. She told me this morning that she could remember dreaming last night, which is something she hadn’t done in the last few years.