In past years, after age 40 people were expected to sit on the porch and rock. Today, they're doing all sorts of things--new careers, new hobbies, new sports, new romances, going back to college.
And look at all the Information Age has made available!
The first thing I did when I retired (at age 53) was enroll in college with a full freshman load. MAN! WAS IT FUN! AND I WANTED AN A in every class (and got it).
Part of this energy is also directed into helping to raise the grandchildren.
I think it's great for my children to continue their education and embark on fascinating adventures.
I also love giving my grandchildren as many opportunities as I can.
And furthermore--there is great wisdom that comes with age. (It's not inevitable; some people manage not to acquire it.) And it can be imparted to grandchildren as well as children. Somewhat removed from the dramas and conflicts that tend to confuse the relationships between parents and their children, grandchildren tend to be much more receptive to the wisdom of their grandparents than they sometimes are to that of their parents.
I had the privilege of living across the road from 2 of my grandchildren. We’ve worked together, vacationed together and played together. I think I have been quite an asset in their lives, I know they have been a gift to me.
Thanks to phones, the internet, holidays and summers I stayed close to the two who grew up far away.
They are in college and though they don’t ask for anything I help them out, last week I bought 2 computers, (Don’t buy Microsoft Surface, they lasted about 18 months.)
I’m looking forward to being a great-grandparent in a few years.
If my grandchildren treat me the way they treated their great-grandmother when I’m old I will feel very lucky.