Who here has grandchildren that you’re heavily involved with?
We’re among the many blessed grandparents who get to see our grandies every day if we choose. I have 8 in total, and for most of my life, I’ve never really been without a child or grandchild.
Nannee’s place has always been their refuge… a place where they could run amok, be themselves and feel completely at home. I insisted on that, and I loved it.
But things change.
Our youngest little bloke is 1 — right in that full-on toddler stage — and goodness me, he is busy! It takes both my daughter and myself to keep up with him while his mother (my daughter in law) is working, and by the time he goes home, I am absolutely exhausted, actually we both are.
Now, at 59, nearly 60, I’m starting to realise something…
I don’t feel the same need to be involved all the time anymore.
And honestly? I’m okay with that.
For the first time in my life since I was 16, I’m stepping into a different season. The older kids are grown, we’ve done our time raising children and supporting family, and now it’s becoming more about my husband and me.
We’ve paid our dues.
We still love our family days here on the farm — they mean everything — but we’re equally as happy just being on our own, enjoying the quiet, slowing down and living life at a different pace.
It’s funny how your priorities shift as you get older…
And how something that once defined your whole life can gently change into something you step back from — without guilt.
And I truly don’t feel bad. Not even a little bit.
This is just a new season.
Does this sound like you? I’d love to hear your thoughts
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