I once knew a couple — let's call them Mr. and Mrs. Robertson.

They were in their 80s, still living at home, and like most couples who had spent a lifetime together… they loved each other deeply. They had been socially active for years, always on the go, always connected.

But over time, life began to change.

Health issues slowed them down. Their world became smaller — mostly trips to the doctor, the drugstore, and the grocery store. Many of their lifelong friends had either passed away or were dealing with serious health challenges of their own.

They weren't neglected. Their two sons were involved and caring, but like many adult children, they had their own families and careers to manage.

And then something very real began to surface…

They didn't see their future the same way.

Mrs. Robertson was ready for a change. She was open to moving into an assisted living community — a place where she could be around others her age, have meals prepared, receive help when needed, and enjoy a little more ease in her day-to-day life. Her walking challenges were aided by the "walker on wheels", but still challenging, nonetheless.

Mr. Robertson saw things very differently.

"We're fine right here," he would say. "This is home. This is where we belong."

He didn't want to leave. He wanted to sit, look out the window, and watch the birds and squirrels in the backyard — just like he always had, even though he relied mostly on a motorized scooter to navigate their small home. 

And the truth is…

They were both right.

She wasn't wrong for wanting connection, support, and a simpler way of living.

And he wasn't wrong for wanting to stay in the place that held a lifetime of memories.

A few years later, Mrs. Robertson passed away peacefully — in her own bed, in her own bedroom, in the home she loved, surrounded by her family. She was 91.

A few years after that, Mr. Robertson passed away as well. He was 93, and he spent his final days in a rehabilitation center.

It makes you stop and think.

Maybe the question isn't simply, "Should we stay or should we move?"

Maybe the better question is:

"What matters most to each of us in this next chapter of life?"

Because sometimes, even in the same home, people are answering that question in very different ways.

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Just thoughtful conversations, honest reflection, and doing your best to make the right decisions — together.

It's slices of life like this that have shaped the way I approach my work. I care deeply about helping people think through these decisions with clarity, dignity, and respect.

If you or someone you love is facing decisions like these, I'm always happy to be a resource. Every situation is different, and sometimes it just helps to talk it through.

Carlile Robertson