Writing After Teaching (My First Inspiration) I was an inspired teacher. I experienced my first nudge of a dream to become an elementary school teacher in second grade - largely due to the teacher I was blessed to have in second grade. With her positive and kind spirit, “Miss B” was as skilled at motivating us to fulfill our academic requirements, … [Read more...]
Surviving the Job of Nanny Grandmother in Your 70s
I am four months into being a grandmother at the age of 71. Mothering was my hardest job even though I enjoyed every minute of it. No one warns you how intense it can be. I always assumed someday I would be a grandma but never imagined becoming a nanny grandmother. My daughter has an excellent and well-paying job. Even though it has been hard to tear herself away from her … [Read more...]
Joining the Ranks of Being a Grandma in My 70s
It finally happened. My 37-year-old daughter gave birth to a baby boy! He is my first grandchild. I also gave birth in my 30s but my mother was in her 60s when that happened. I am almost 71. Her doctor wanted to induce labor at 36 weeks for reasons I’m not clear on so he came out slightly less than 5 lbs. Wrapped up he looks like a burrito but is in great shape and came home … [Read more...]
When Divorce Happens After 50: Avoiding the Fallout
Despite rarely hearing about aging parents who are actively seeking a divorce, it does happen. Sadly, it happens more often than you think. Unlike married couples who are under 50 and who still have a major portion of their lives to live to look forward to, when older couples get divorced, the pain and trauma can be more profound. No matter what the effects of a divorce … [Read more...]
Why 30-Something Weddings Can be a Boon to Their Older Parents
Both of my kids became engaged to be married within 3 months of each other. My son got married in the forest at a lodge in the Redwoods near Santa Cruz, California. My daughter’s wedding will be in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico at the end of January. They are in their mid-30s and established in their professions, so they paid for their own weddings. That was a big relief … [Read more...]