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Once upon a time....  
 
There lived an old man, who lying on his deathbed, called for his two sons.  
 
The first son, Jim, was a doctor, and the second son, John, was a private investigator.  
 
Jim lived in a really old house, that was in desperate need of repair. Jim and his family had long since outgrown the place.  
 
John had renovated a place to call home, but, with his large family, it was crowded and had a major problem with rats and ants.  
 
Up at the hospital, John Sr., the father, begged his sons to come closer.  
 
"My sons, as I prepare to go to that big house in the sky, I wish to finalize my will."  
 
"I leave you my house, the fanily business and a sum of money. I would like you to fix it up and live together."  
 
This grand house, was filled with books and pieces of artwork. John Sr. had recently moved everything out and left a legacy of his books and artwork in another building, for all to enjoy.  
 
"I would also ask that you choose from your friends and neighbors, a Board to help you administer and spend the money for this new house and family business. As well, a lawyer to chair this board, and lead you in making your decisions."  
 
"But, as part of the Will, once the Board and chairperson are chosen, they will be given full power of attorney. You must do as they say, in fairness to you both.I want this to be done right, and respectful of my Will and wishes."  
 
The sons agreed, and spent the final hours talking and planning, as their father slipped slowly away from them.  
 
 
Almost immediately, they undertook the selection process for their Board and Chairperson. After some trivial, yet controversial interviews, they had their group.  
 
The lawyer, following in his father's footsteps, had taken over the family law firm. Together, with the many other partners, that he would, from time to time, approach to seek guidance and support, he had developed a very friendly and likable practice.  
 
The Board of ten, was chosen from all walks of life and experience. The sons looked forward to the project ahead of them.  
 
They all met and discussed their father's old house, and what it would take to make it their dream home.  
 
After several meetings and studies, it was surprising to all, when one day, the lawyer stood up, and declared that he had been approached, and had been in secret discussions with, a third party that wished to rent the house.  
 
"This is a good deal for all of us. We are not sure if we can make this house work for the both of you to live, together."  
 
" As well, the costs that have been forwarded to renovate and fulfill all of your requests, well, they would have taken almost all the money from the estate to do."  
 
"Besides, there will be good money and jobs for all of our friends, for years and years to come."  
 
In agreement, everyone felt secure in letting the old man's home go, and looked forward to finding a brand new home. A fresh start...  
 
"There may be a few problems with it, " the lawyer announced at the meeting, " but we have secured some land for the development of your new home."  
 
" A vacant building, that we can tear down, and build you both, a grand and stately house. A Home Inspector was hired, and we will soon learn what can be done to make you happy."  
 
"Bought and paid for, already, let's review it, at our next meeting."  
 
The next week, everyone gathered to hear the results of the inspection.  
 
Silence fell over the group, as the bad news was read, the building was full of asbestos. Not a surprise to the sons, for they knew which property had been bought for them, and had questioned, from the beginning, why it had even been considered, let alone bought.  
 
"No, I will not live in a house filled with asbestos. I will not subject my family to this unhealthy choice, and furthermore, I question whether the location, yet, even the building itself, can work for the two of us." yelled Jim.  
 
"Me as well," added John Jr.  
 
"Ok then, fine," torted the lawyer, " but we have already spent the money, and the land is yours, whether you want it or not."  
 
" We will have to clean it up, now" he continued," as by law, knowing of the asbestos concern, we must now remove it. By LAW!!. The cost will have to come out of your allotted allowance."  
 
They all stormed from the meeting. The exchanged stares of dis-belief and scorn, did not go unnoticed by the Board.  
 
Spring lead to Summer, and then to Fall , and finally, a major announcement was forth coming.  
 
"I stand before you today..." the lawyer beamed with excitement, " Though it cost us most of our budget, today, I am proud to unveil to you, your new home. A fine fixer-upper, in the heart of the neighborhood. We got a great deal on it, from another client we have dealt with before."  
 
Aghast, the two sons stared at each other. The lawyer and Board had spent all of their money on a fixer-upper.  
 
"I am not sure if we both can fit." questioned John.  
 
"It is so close to my old home, I wanted so much to be closer to my clients " the Doctor added.  
 
"Done deal!" snarled the lawyer. "Work out your problems, yourselves. The Board and myself are trying our best to look out for you. Be grateful, we found you this. There is no money left in the kitty, this is the best we can do."  
 
After a brief discussion, the two sons agreed it was time to consider the possibility, that maybe, they needed to live apart.  
 
"Ok, we will make plans for this place to be John's" the lawyer continued, " but we will have to arrange a mortgage to fix it up. John tell us what you need, and we will work on the costs for you."  
 
The two sons went their separate ways, each planning for a new home of their own, each determining their needs and requirements.  
 
The Board would meet, and finally one day, they agreed upon a separate new site for Jim's new home.  
 
"Some property, with direct access to all your clients has been found." the chair of the Board started the meeting,  
" a small concern, it is on the busiest streets of the City. No problem. We can work out those issues after we build."  
 
Jim agreed, and went back to his old house. The family greeted him at the door, big smiles and hugs, it was nice to know things were going ahead for them.  
 
"Jim, phone for you," Jim's wife whispered in his ear, as they hugged,  
" something about a problem to discuss."  
 
All of the next day, Doctor Jim, spent more time on the phone, than working, the calls were non stop. His friends and neighbors calling. The coffee shops buzzing.  
 
"Are you serious. " "Will you make it to me, if I need you." "but the traffic, Jim."  
 
The calls were non-stop....  
 
Jim called the Board together, " I'm sorry, I don't think it will work."  
 
The Board was upset. The lawyer defiant.  
 
"We are tired of looking. You will take the next place we find, no matter what!"  
 
 
Two weeks later, Jim met with the Board to find out what he would have to live with.  
 
"It is done. " stated the lawyer, " For the last time. The property secured. We will start building ASAP."  
 
The next day...  
 
"Jim, sorry to bother you." the lawyer spoke softly into the phone, " a slight problem with the property, apparently, we don't own all of it, yet. But we will work something out, ok"  
 
"Ok, hmmm..." Jim started to reply," I'm happy that you found me a place, but I would like to express some concerns. Like, there are a few clients, I am not sure I can get to. Sometimes the bridges are busy, or whatever. Just not comfortable with..."  
 
"Get over it." interrupted the lawyer, " The Board knows what is best. We are doing our job, you do yours."  
 
"Oh by the way, the Board, in reviewing your assets, and determining your mortgage requirements, we have discussed it. We will have to close your pool."  
 
"We have bought into a Time Share, with the other firm's partners. It won't cost you much, but we will send your friends and family the bill."  
 
Downcast, Jim went to the bank to arrange his mortgage. Sad that all the money his father had left him was gone, his family would live where they were told. In debt and far from his clients, he would soldier on....  
 
Meanwhile, John Jr. was happily planning his new house.  
 
A fixer-upper, he could start from scratch. Lots of new toys, a big picture window in the front, a garage....all of the tools for his job. He submitted his list, and hoped for the best.  
 
Back at the Board meeting, the lawyer received a letter.  
 
To whom it may concern...  
 
Some friends of the family were planning a new playground.  
 
 
'Having approached another partner in the firm, with his approval, we are writing to ask your support in our endeavor. We have started fund raising, and are close to reaching our goal. '  
 
The letter continued, ' At this time, we do not require any of your money, just your moral support to proceed.'  
 
The lawyer immediately sent out an e-mail....  
 
"Having already sent an e-mail stating our regrets. I would now ask the Board to review and decline, as it may harm our working relationship with the firm's partners." clearing his throat, the lawyer continued, " What's your opinion?"  
 
"Next order of business, please." the lawyer continued the meeting, " The family business is running short of funds again."  
 
"Enough already " "It's got to start making a profit" "Sell some assets" ...  
 
The Board continued to be upset that it had been straddled with this family business....  
 
"I'm sorry, John"  
 
It had been a while since John had submitted his requests for the new house.  
 
"We haven't forgot about you. Sorry, the rats are getting worse. " the chairperson was sincere," I am glad to hear the kids are enjoying their bunk beds. Four to a room, eh, they must be very patient."  
 
" The initial costs have come in for the house, we sent them back for review. Not sure we could ask you for that kind of money to mortgage. And, by the way, can't do the garage"  
 
"Well, do what you can. We already have the building. I can arrange a mortgage for the first amount. Maybe you could arrange for more to get the garage, later." John said.  
 
At the next meeting, the Board received a returning guest, and was wondering what to do about it.  
 
"Thought we had decided this before."  
"Not again?" "WE should consider it!"  
 
Around the table the discussions went.  
 
At issue, some former residents of the neighborhood, had come to the meeting.  
 
'Did anyone want to buy a lottery ticket from them?"  
 
"Let's phone John and Jim and their friends and ask if we should invest any of their money in this..."  
 
After much blogging and face book texting, the friends agreed not to be buy any lottery tickets.  
 
Work progressed on the houses, and surprise, surprise....another neighbor won the lottery.  
 
"I think we should consider this," one of the Board members raised the point.  
 
The discussion was about the recent rumour that the lucky neighbor might be willing to let them 'help' spend the lottery winnings.  
 
"Never. We were told not to invest in any tickets, and now for sure, we shouldn't touch any of that evil, ill-gotten money..."  
 
John attended the meeting, that cold and wintry night, even though he read the report issued with the minutes.  
 
A shiny new house, with a big picture window.... but no garage.  
 
"I know it has been 5 years since father died, both Jim and I are broke, and are now going deeply in debt, but we appreciate your efforts."  
 
"Sad though, it could be another couple of years before we get into our new houses.... keep up the good work, I guess."  
 
 
The moral of the story...  
 
There isn't one, cause it ain't over yet!