Thank you for your thoughts. I totally get it, and I also appreciate the reminder to not come up with a recollection of my own when I hear someone's story. Sometimes I have to catch myself and literally bite my tongue. And I am always glad when I do.
I do have to admit that sometimes I can feel invisible when I am around my adult daughters and their friends, but instead of feeling negative about that, I can usually remember how grateful I am for the opportunity to just be with them in their lives. And, of course, being with the grandchildren also gives me new worlds to explore. When I visited my sister and her wife earlier this year in their retirement community, I could understand why they are so comfortable there at the same time knowing that it would never be for me.
A great benefit from my work in a teaching hospital was being surrounded by students, residents, fellows, and new faculty members, all of whom were younger than me. So, now in retirement, I have friends from many different decades. Of course, that will change over time, but for now I have an abundance of friends. How lucky am I to!
When the grand children walk through my door and say” Sausage rolls. I’m starving and haven’t eaten all day”. This makes my day. “What have you cooked today Nana?” Another one of my favourites. Keep doing what we enjoy and are appreciated for by the youngsters. This is my happy place. Even when it is freezing cold (Melbourne, Australia) go to their sports games, wear bright clothing so they can see you and cheer in your loudest voice. Age is creeping up (74 this year). Keep putting purple dye in my hair and enjoying what life has given me. A smile costs you nothing but can make somebody else’s day. Thank you Barbara
Such a good experience, and yes you are lucky!
Thank you for your thoughts. I totally get it, and I also appreciate the reminder to not come up with a recollection of my own when I hear someone's story. Sometimes I have to catch myself and literally bite my tongue. And I am always glad when I do.
I do have to admit that sometimes I can feel invisible when I am around my adult daughters and their friends, but instead of feeling negative about that, I can usually remember how grateful I am for the opportunity to just be with them in their lives. And, of course, being with the grandchildren also gives me new worlds to explore. When I visited my sister and her wife earlier this year in their retirement community, I could understand why they are so comfortable there at the same time knowing that it would never be for me.
A great benefit from my work in a teaching hospital was being surrounded by students, residents, fellows, and new faculty members, all of whom were younger than me. So, now in retirement, I have friends from many different decades. Of course, that will change over time, but for now I have an abundance of friends. How lucky am I to!
Yes you are lucky, multi generational relationships make all the difference
When the grand children walk through my door and say” Sausage rolls. I’m starving and haven’t eaten all day”. This makes my day. “What have you cooked today Nana?” Another one of my favourites. Keep doing what we enjoy and are appreciated for by the youngsters. This is my happy place. Even when it is freezing cold (Melbourne, Australia) go to their sports games, wear bright clothing so they can see you and cheer in your loudest voice. Age is creeping up (74 this year). Keep putting purple dye in my hair and enjoying what life has given me. A smile costs you nothing but can make somebody else’s day. Thank you Barbara
Exactly. Btw I lived in Melbourne for five years. Loved it
You so nailed it. I love the 'farm' we have since retirement. But I feel most alive when the three neighbors under the age of four come to visit.