Even though Ross was well advanced in years and could certainly afford financially to retire and maintain the same lifestyle he and Mary were used to, he chose to continue working. He still kept his position and seniority in the workings of the Mayer enterprises. Ross had increased Michael's responsibility and workload so that Ross and Mary could spend an increasing amount of time at their island cottage. Phillip, being without any interest in the Mayer companies, had not noticed this. Nothing about the changes in Ross's and Michael's work came to the attention of Phillip.
Mary's dementia worsened at a steady and alarming pace and the two caregivers who had raised Michael were now with Mary constantly and devoted themselves to her care. Mary had rare moments of lucidity which were like warm rays of bright sun shining through an otherwise dark, overcast sky.
Ross, Mary, her caregivers, the two sons and their wives were all together at the island cottage for a few days before a canoe trip arranged by Ross as a present for his sons and daughters-in-law. Ross remained convinced that there was nothing more potentially bonding than spending time together in the wild. Sunshine Resort was hired to see to the canoe trip organization and the providing of a guide who would do all the work on the trip so that Ross's sons and their wives could spend the time fishing. The only effort required of them would be that they would paddle their own canoes. The guide would do all the carrying over the portages, the cooking, packing up, tent assembly and camp site cleanup on leaving. Luggage and supplies would be in the guide's canoe which would also pull another canoe roped to it, loaded with additional supplies and food. The canoes would be supplied by Sunshine Resort, which was a small resort with five cabins for visitors.
The island was four acres in size with many tall pines. Blueberry bushes covered the ground. The cabin was in the middle of the island on the highest point of land and a path, made large enough for Mary and her caregivers to walk side-by-side with Mary in the middle, led to the large dock and boathouse.
Michael was paddling Lisa around the island in a green canoe while Lisa sat facing him, trolling. The sun glittered on the lake studding the peaks of the ripples on the surface with reflections that seemed like sparkling diamonds. On the shady side of the canoe they could look down and see the bottom of the lake fifteen feet below. A lonely water lily was in flower near the shore.
"Your father is getting on in years." Lisa said, "I hope his health is good because he is looking quite frail."
Michael stopped paddling and let the canoe drift, carried by the breeze. He lay the paddle across his knees and watched Lisa as he answered, "I know he is seeing his doctor regularly but I don't know if he has any issues and wouldn't dream of asking because I am sure it would offend him. He's mentally quite fit, though he seems to have started talking to himself quietly, as though unaware that he is speaking outwardly and not inside his head. He never used to do that. But he's holding his own and enjoys working as he always has. I have full confidence in his judgment and ability to perform his work tasks."
Lisa spoke, "Well, the day will come when he will have to retire. He's past the usual retirement age anyway."
Michael replied, "Not for awhile yet, if his health keeps up. The work is doing him good for now."
"Is he in denial about the effects of aging?" Lisa asked.
"I don't think so," Michael replied, "I assume he's seen to a will and the future beyond him regarding the business concerns and of course the provisions for Mother if he passes over first."
"Do you have an idea what's in his will?" Lisa asked, "Do you know what will come to you?"
Michael answered, "Traditionally, at least in my family history, the first born inherits and provisions are made for the others. There would be a trust to look after Mother and continue to financially look after her needs, such as the salaries of the caregivers. I would probably continue to work as I am in the business, but it would be Phillip who would be in charge, the next king as it were."
