Lisa tells me you’ve been in the news, Mr. Jagger. She refers to you as Mick and seems to know all about you and your musical career. She rattled off some of the songs you recorded with that musical group of yours called The Rolling Stones. I’m afraid I missed that phase of music. Since I was born in 1912, I’ve been partial to the old ballads and orchestras. My late wife, Sylvia, and I would go out to dinner and dancing. We’d get all dressed up and have a ball. Lisa tells me your music isn’t like orchestra and it wouldn’t serve ballroom dancing too well, either. No matter. Mr. Jagger, I believe we do have something in common.
Lisa read an article over the weekend reporting that you and an ex-wife, Jerry Hall, have a disagreement brewing regarding what you should do with your wealth in regard to your adult children. As I understand it, Ms. Hall believes because you’re estimated to be worth hundreds of millions (congratulations!) you should purchase homes for three of your adult children. Apparently you feel differently, believing you’ve already provided your children with more than adequate care and education while they were minors. With their own careers in place, you’d like to see them make their own way in life and make their own money instead of relying on yours.
Bravo, Mr. Jagger! I may not be familiar with your music, but I like the way you think in regard to finances. I can’t quite figure out how you’re a rock musician and a former student of the London School of Economics, but obviously you’re some businessman to have racked up those hundreds of millions. I understand you made your own money, as did I, although not nearly what you have. But we’re in agreement on this point: Adult children need to make their own way in life. Every person should travel a journey where each explores their interests and digs deep in their heart and mind to discover what gift they have (I believe each of us has one.) Once discovered, becoming an accomplished adult includes working with your gift and exceling with it as best one is able.
Some of your children and your ex-wife (sorry about the divorce; I was married for 70 years and it suited me pretty well) seem to be looking for a short cut. I side with you on this issue. Your children, especially having already identified their professional interests, should throw themselves into their passions, strive for success, and buy their own homes.
I’m curious, Mr. Jagger. Have any of these children asked you what kind of life you prefer when you get older and are unable to dance around like a chicken with its head cut off? (I viewed footage of that on YouTube. Amazing!) Trust me, you will age and you’ll need at least one person to help you, much like Lisa helps me. Have any of your children offered to help you out as you get older? You know, to willingly act as your very own Soul Sherpa, your very own healthcare advocate. If so, congratulations to them and to you. If not, they may want to think about that issue. That issue, in addition to those homes they’re interested in.
