…a memory care facility, and that your son had full authority to sell your home on your behalf.”
I had never been to a memory care facility. I’d been to physical therapy three times a week for my knee.
The supervisor, Mr. Grant, explained. The “property tax reduction” forms I’d signed included a power of attorney buried on page six. My son, Michael, had used it to list my house for sale. He’d added a typed statement claiming I was moving into a care home and wouldn’t be returning. The buyer had paid a ten-thousand-dollar deposit.
The “roof repair company” Michael had hired was owned by my daughter-in-law’s cousin. There had never been anything wrong with my roof.
Mr. Grant flagged the sale and contacted the title company. Because I was still the legal owner and the statement was false, the closing was put on hold. My attorney revoked the power of attorney that same afternoon.
The buyers were a young couple with a baby. They were shocked and heartbroken. Their deposit was returned in full. I sent them a note apologizing for what my family had done.
When I confronted Michael, he said it was “for my own good.” He said I was getting older and the house was too much for me. I asked him why, if it was for my own good, his wife was texting her sister that I’d be homeless by February.
He didn’t answer.
Michael was charged with fraud and misuse of a power of attorney. His wife’s cousin’s roofing company was investigated for similar schemes with two other elderly homeowners.
My knee healed. In February, I was standing in my own kitchen, making soup, in the house I’ve lived in for thirty-eight years. I’m not homeless. I’m home.
