Nobody warns you about Tuesdays. For years, a suburban house runs on a very specific strain of background racket that you only notice once it dies. Hallway doors slamming shut. Muddy running shoes dropped right by the entry table. Someone upstairs yelling about a missing blue hoodie. The dishwasher running twice before 7:00 PM. Then a random Tuesday afternoon rolls around, and … [Read more...]
How One Retired Teacher Found Her Second Act in Storytelling
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...]