Both children were very good about their chores. Timmy might set the table and later Karen would clear it, reversing the chore the following night. Woof was walked when need be and the garbage taken out when requested. They were far better at their jobs than either Suzie or I had ever been.
Sunday church was less of a task than I'd thought it would be. The North family had attended Mass for years, and I too enjoyed the service with them. Our priest was a thoughtful speaker who related real world examples that were timely and eloquent. Life was good with our newly formed group.
While my last honesty session with Karen ended abruptly, it was by no means our final meeting in the love chair. Thankfully, not all of our conversations were sexual in nature. One afternoon, returning from soccer practice, I could tell Karen was unusually quiet. I asked her if there was a problem.
"Anne has to save up just to buy new sneakers for soccer. All I have to do is ask and you or dad to get them. I don't say anything about money to my friends, or how I lived back in Newton. I know Dad has tons of dough and when I grow up, I'll have like millions too. Will I have to decide what to do with it all?" Her question demanded more than a quick answer so I made an unscheduled stop for ice cream.
"Whatever your father has will be yours and Timmy's, and no one will stop you from spending it any way you like. That was the case with your father, and I'd like to think he handled the riches very well. He helps businesses get going and stay on their feet when most times they couldn't do it without help. That's putting his money to very good use. Some people would blow it on silly things and lead a life of leisure, but as you grow up, I hope you learn to understand all the results of you actions, whatever they may be. Money can be a gift or a burden."
"You never had money but when it was offered, you wouldn't take it."
"True. Part of me was chicken, but your dad's money was doing fine right where it was and I didn't need it."
"Maybe I won't take mine when the time comes."
"I think you'd be a prudent custodian of it. Just keep on thinking such mature thoughts." I patted her hand and resolved to pay more attention to budgets and the value of money, lessons certainly absent in her pre-Sarah life.