The final payment of the mortgage syndrome by John Joyce
Now when you are born, married or die it is generally agreed upon when this happens, and congratulations and condolences generally flow on cue. There is often a party and if you are crafty it is held at your friend’s clean house. If you win a 10km snow shoe race or a chess tournament you might win a medal and a trophy but not at the same time however you will be applauded and savagely criticized by last year winners: usually at the same time. There is one momentous occasion in our lives when no congratulations ensue. Unlike the 10km snow shoe race or chess tournament there is even a nagging doubt that the event takes place. But it is the big day and with a personal best of 19 years 4 months and 3 days you visit your financial institution to close out the mortgage. You will own your own home. You expect the managers to be there in their best clothes and friends and relations to take photographs at thi