Brotherly Love!

I first met Arthur Nesbitt at Jon's dad's funeral, back in 2001. Although I had heard of him, I had never met him. So picture the scene, we are just about to enter the crematorium, directly behind Jon's mum when out of the blue, this chap appears from nowhere and joins the family as we file into the service. "Arthur!" exclaimed Mavis, Jon's mum! After the funeral we all went back to the house. From the Midlands had travelled the elder brother, Tommy. Now on the rare occasions I had met Tommy he made us aware of his status in life, sharing pictures of his son's house, never failing to tell us of his success at university. At the wake he sat apart from the family and friends, looking over from time to time with a look of disapproval on his unsmiling face. A few weeks later it was announced that Arthur was to lodge with Mavis. This apparently had been discussed whilst Laurence (Jon's dad) was alive. He knew he had not long, cancer had decided on that! So in his last few months he had discussed various issues with Mavis, one being Arthur's future. He had never married and was currently living in poor rented accommodation. Arthur moved in with Mavis and became part of the family. Tommy meanwhile, as his elder brother would visit once a year and send money to enable Mavis to take him out from time to time. He preferred however to stay at home. He often came over to our house for special occasions and meals and enjoyed himself, tucking into the hearty dinners I loved to prepare for the family. Whenever Tommy and Marjorie would visit it was as though royalty were coming. A few months ago it became apparent that all was not well with Arthur's health, he started becoming confused and disorientated. Alzheimer's was the diagnosis. After several falls and "moments" it was decided he needed to go into residential care. Tommy came to arrange matters, in his capacity as older brother. He lives in the Midlands, so a care home near him? "Certainly Not!" was the firm answer..."That would never do!" No, it had to be somewhere round here. Now one of the manifestations of the disease became Arthur's obsession with money. All in all it would seem he has a few bob, having never married etc etc.....a considerable amount of money ! As is the law, this was going to have to pay for his care. He had left a will, yes, his money was to go to Tommy. Although Mavis had looked after him for 9 years, his money had been left to Laurence (deceased) and Tommy. Then things started to become clear........................... this money was then referred to by Tommy as "His inheritance!" When Tommy and Mavis were visiting him in the Care home Tommy explained to the nursing staff that every week Arthur was staying in the home it was taking another £450 from his inheritance! Much to the great embarrassment of Mavis. In order to deal with the finances, Arthur's pension and insurance, savings etc Tommy had to apply for power of attorney, costing him £800. With Arthur comfortable in the home, Tommy returned to the Midlands. A few days later Arthur fell ill and was taken to hospital. Mavis rang Tommy! "Is he going to die?" He asked, "Because if he is there is no point in me visiting as it will be money I could save from my inheritance!" Also, I need not bother to get power of attorney, this will save me £800 from my inheritance! We were all willing Arthur to live as long as he could, to use his well earned money on his care and well being! Sadly he lost his fight on Sunday afternoon! Tommy and Marjorie arrived on Tuesday to deal with matters. The funeral is next Tuesday! I will let you know how it goes. The wake has been organised...Tommy is dealing with the finances. I can see us taking our own sandwiches............after all, we don't want to eat into Tommy's inheritance do we?