Advice on dealing with Dad
I regularly counsel clients who employ me to give them sound advice, and I do. I am a professional, highly rated, well-respected estate planning attorney who is regularly referred by my clients. I have fiduciary responsibilities. Then there’s my dad and the fact that at times I am only a daughter.
My dad is looking to sell his farm..and everything in it. I suddenly know nothing, I am too bossy, I am trying to take over. I don’t think I am…well maybe a little, but that relates more to me liking my ideas best! I didn’t think it would be as challenging as this feels for us, because of what I do and how I consult on this. It is a logical process and I spend work days talking about ways to make transitions easier. This is where the glass house comes into play. People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones, right? Well, depending on personalities, aging transitions sometimes aren’t a very easy process. It’s no one’s fault, no one is trying to be difficult, but it is emotional–at least for me. That is the key. Emotional struggles lead to the conflict. I’m no longer confident in about the best approach. I do know that I will go through this myself on the aging end someday. Glass houses, fragile emotions, memories attached to places and things, letting go. I’m going to try to take this as an opportunity to grow closer through sharing with my dad, maybe in exchange I’ll learn a few new family stories that I can pass on myself someday!