Assisted Living, reserve us a room.

It was a chilly 48-degree May day up here in New England. Since I refused to turn on the heat... Maddy, Reed and I hunkered down under the covers to watch the latest care bears episode and ponder why it felt like February. I looked over at Maddy and had the following exchange:

Me: Maddy, when mommy and daddy get older... Will you take care of us?

Maddy: after briefly glancing up from the iPad... No.

Because I was sure she misunderstood what I meant, I posed the question differently. Maddy, when mommy and daddy are old can we live with you?

Maddy: No.

Now, I was starting to get irritated. As I debated on not making her supper, or doing her laundry ever again... I tried one more time. Maddy, what if mommy and daddy need your help? Can we stay with you? Don't you want to live with us?

Maddy: No. Ava will.

Your imaginary friend, Ava will take care of us?!

Maddy: Yes.

Well, ok then. I guess Ray and I should start saving now. Or wait a minute.... Oh, Reed....