Occasionally, I get a call for help from a reader whose situation has all the markings of a class action suit, that is, one person acting on behalf of many (maybe you). Maureen Rabazinski’s email was such a case. Two weeks ago, the 62-year-old nurse practitioner from Winter Park, Fla.
, wrote for advice. Dear Marni, “HELP!” I want my house back! I want a house that reflects me and my husband while still occasionally welcoming our family and friends — not a home that has a revolving door. Eight years ago, when our two sons flew the nest, my husband and I downsized to a single-story, four-bedroom, two-bath home on a beautiful pond.
The 2,200-square-foot home was our private oasis. Soon after, our younger son came home from college and lived in the guestroom for over a year as he figured out his next life steps. We reclaimed the space when he moved to Denver for a job and a girlfriend.
Soon after his older brother moved in with his wife and their three children while they waited for a new home they’d bought to be ready for them. For nearly two months, they took over the guest room plus another bedroom for their two daughters, which we outfitted with twin beds. This room also became a toy-filled playroom.
Somehow the baby’s crib landed in my home office. After they moved out, the twin beds, the crib and many toys stayed. When the Denver job and girlfriend didn’t work out, our younger son boomeranged back, this time for 18 months.
I am happy to say, he moved out this .