We were surprised when our daughter Sarah turned eighteen and said she wanted a down payment on a property. So instead of giving her a fixer-upper, we decided to teach her a valuable lesson. Sarah faces several challenges that transform the property and her as she sets off on the remodeling project.
Our dinners were usually informal affairs, consisting of spaghetti served on mismatched dishes and little talk about our days that was periodically cut short by a small argument about unfinished duties.
But that night, it was like someone planted a bomb right in the center of our dining table.
Sarah gently announced her 18th birthday while we were busy organizing the festivities.
She turned her pasta in a confident manner and said, “So, I’ve decided what I want for my birthday.”
I drank my wine, curious, thinking she might ask for a trip with pals or the newest tech toy. And, sweetheart, what would that be?
She said, “A down payment on a house,” as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.
My drink caught my throat. “A deposit for a home?” My voice squeaked with astonishment as I repeated myself.
She looked between her father and me as if we were the ones being difficult, then said, “Yes, for me and Jake.” “We take our future very seriously. Jake comments, “We need something permanent; renting is wasteful.”
I didn’t think I would be working with paint and sawdust all summer, yet here I was, working on my project day in and day out.
My husband Rick put down his fork, his eyes widening.
Calmly, he continued, “Sarah, that’s a significant request.” “And given that you and Jake have only been dating for a few months, are you sure you’re prepared for this kind of commitment?”
She gave a strong nod. Without a doubt! I have everything planned out with Jake. We’re considering forming a family shortly, and it makes sense. You’ve always told me to make plans for the future, right?
Rick and I looked at each other. Just like me, he raised an eyebrow. Although we had always supported her independence and wisdom, this was rather ambitious.
I said, “Sarah, love,” picking my words carefully. “Being a house owner entails enormous responsibilities. You and Jake are very young, and it’s about stability and commitment more than money. Maybe.
The doorbell rang to let me know that Jake had arrived for their date before I could say anything more. Sarah sprang to her feet and took her handbag.
“Just give it some thought,” She prodded, giving me a cheek kiss. “You’ll see that it’s a very good idea.”
She ran out the door after saying that, leaving Rick and me speechless.
“Is it not amazing that she just requested a house?” I snapped out of my silence. The mere boldness was almost praiseworthy.
Rick gave a little laugh. “I will give her credit for her bravery. However, she still has a lot to learn about the real world.
His remarks struck a chord with me, evoking feelings of both pride and worry. Although Sarah had always been determined and strong-willed, this was new ground for her.
As an idea began to emerge, I remarked slowly, “You know, you’re right.” “And I believe I know exactly how to instruct her.”
Rick looked at me questioningly, but I just grinned. We were prepared to teach Sarah a lesson in responsibility that she would not soon forget.
By the morning of Sarah’s birthday, everything was set. As Rick and I gave her a beautifully wrapped present box, my heart was racing.
“What is this?” Lifting the keys we had hidden inside, Sarah asked, her eyes bright with interest and expectation.
I glanced at Rick, and he gave me a supportive nod.
With a firm voice, I said, “We bought you a house.” “It’s a fixer-upper, and you own it all.”
Sarah’s face glowed with happiness. “Really? Oh my god, it’s unbelievable! What location is it? Is it now visible to us?
“Definitely,” Rick said, quickly grabbing the car keys.
During the journey, Sarah talked animatedly about her ideas for the house. She was talking about furniture and paint colors, and I was listening from the back seat.
My stomach clenched with nervousness. Rick gave me a quick grip on the hand and assured me in a low voice that I had made the correct choice.
From the exterior, the house appeared to be a nice, cottage-style residence in need of some maintenance.
Sarah leaped out of the vehicle. It’s quite cute! I adore it already!
Rick and I exchanged a sly glance as we followed her to the front door.
“Are you ready?” With a hand on the doorknob, I asked.
“All set!” Sarah smiled, beaming with anticipation.
As soon as we entered, her initial excitement gave way to dismay. The interior was in bad shape, with loose wallpaper, squeaky floors, and debris all over the place. In every way, it was a fixer-upper.
“What’s this?” Her eyes widened and voice shaking with disappointment, she muttered.
With a lighthearted tone, Rick said, “It’s your new home.” However, you will have to oversee the modifications on a $10,000 budget. It will be necessary for you to choose repairs, employ professionals, and stay within your budget.
Sarah turned to face the world, her former joy clearly fading. Then, as she gradually started to nod, resolve lit up her features.
That night, we talked about the reality of life—growing up, falling in love. We had never bonded more than we did at that time when she opened up to us about her goals and challenges, highlighting our similarities.
Alright, I’m up to this. Although it will need a lot of work, it will be worthwhile. She decided, “Jake will love it too,” and took out her phone to eagerly invite Jake over to view her birthday present.
Rick and I regarded her with caution as she ushered Jake inside and showed him around the lovely front of the home.
His first reaction was favorable, as he nodded while she enthusiastically described her intentions. But his mood shifted as soon as they stepped inside the house.
Looking around at the chaos, he shouted, “Oh my God.” “What took place here?”
Sarah dismissed it with a giggle. “It need repair! We can turn it into something spectacular. I have a ton of ideas.
However, Jake shook his head, his face becoming glum. “If you believe we can solve this, you’re insane. Not this, please. I wanted a move-in ready house.
Sarah was left surprised and in tears when he unexpectedly departed. She turned to face us, tears welling up in her eyes. I was proud of her determination, but I also felt a pang of remorse.
“Perhaps we ought to sell it,” I moved closer and made a gentle suggestion.
Sarah said, “No,” as she wiped away her tears. “I’ll carry out this task. I’ll prove that I can manage it by fixing up this house.
Rick and I had a range of feelings as we watched her. Although this was a challenging lesson, Sarah was the one who was up to the task.