Retirement and Parenting your Grandchildren

by Kae
(Canada)

We've had full custody of our granddaughter for the past 6 years (she'll be 9 very soon). I feel old when we are at her school gatherings and some of the mothers seem to be either looking for another available grandma figure to send their children to, or I get the blank "stare". You know, the one where they don't really see you because you are "old". This is when getting older is "for the dogs."

I feel young when I'm socializing with others of like-mind, and on the many, many outings with our granddaughter.

I feel young and filled with anticipation in the morning, but as the day progresses I begin to feel older. I think this is probably biological.

Either way I mostly feel happy, eager to learn more, and glad to have been blessed with good health and a beautiful granddaughter who I have the privilege of raising.

The serenity part comes to me usually in the middle of the night when I can't get back to sleep. Yoga and meditation, counting my blessings and being thankful help me to carry a part of the serenity into a day filled with responsibilities.

Wise words I really understand now, by an unknown...
"Think it through double,
and you'll stay out of trouble."

Respectfully submitted
Kae