Today a big dumpster landed on the grass alongside our driveway. We have hired a construction team to transform our basement, making our home ready for my parents to share it with us. And the construction began with a big, empty dumpster.

It’s a vivid symbol that when we are making a transition, some things have to get tossed out. What do I want to strip away and throw out to be ready for what is ahead: my need for privacy? my demand that my parents remain robust and active instead of deteriorating with age?