I’m a little sad today. Yesterday marked the end of another year of babysitting, and even though I have a weird sort of empty-nest heartache going on, it’s time. I’m ready. So is Bill. He’s been with me every step of the way.
Let me point out that nothing could be more gratifying than the privilege of sharing this time with our grandkids and their parents. For me, that’s as essential as air. I couldn’t live without them.
But there’s a reason Mother Nature favors the young when it comes to procreating. Bill and I are in our sixties, and childcare is harder for us, physically and mentally. The last few months, we’ve relied on TV and fast food more than we’re proud of, and I’ve felt my patience wearing thin.
We’ve gotten away from friends and social activities, fulfilled as we have been with our family and work. But each generation must develop its own interests. My grandbabies are tiny little people with long lives ahead of them, and their parents (my son and DIL) are in their mid-30s, in the heat of the fight. They’re strong, beautiful, kicking butt and stressed to the gills.
Bill and I are in a different place now, on the other end of the timeline. It sounds negative, but only if you believe old is bad. Look at the good: We get to sleep in most days. We can travel at the drop of a hat. Shopping, restaurants, theaters, golf courses are ours, midweek. We’re less stressed-out and more confident than when we were younger. Yes, we have wrinkles and all the other stuff but big deal. As Mom used to say, people don’t like it, they don’t have to look.
In the months ahead, I’ll have more time to devote to my writing and to this website. Bill and I can get reacquainted with our friends – and with each other. We like to read and watch movies, and we have some of the richest discussions now, about life and art and politics…it’s almost as if, as our bodies slow down, our minds are getting stronger.
Lately I’ve been feeling a certain upwelling of joy, sharpened perhaps by a recognition of that timeline, and our place on it. Bill used to sell cars, and he’s told me there’s something called a “take-away close.” You want something more if you think it might be taken away from you. Older people are said to be happier, and one theory suggests it may be because of this. I’m happier now than ever before. Surprisingly, it’s good to be old.
Here are 9 more reasons why that might be true. Care to add your own?
Housekeeping note: if you’d like to continue receiving this blog and other updates, be sure to sign up in the box the the right. See you soon.
I’d also like to thank Mark Anderson, of AquaZebra Print, Web, and Book Design, for helping me through this process of shifting my website from WordPress.com to WordPress.org. He was responsible not only for helping bring my ideas to fruition for the site, but also for the critical behind-the-scenes work like migrating almost 300 archived and draft blog posts, getting me started with MailChimp email subscription services, and providing follow-up instruction and help. He’s smart, thoughtful, creative, and professional, and I can’t thank him enough.
Lynne good post keeping it real. I know you will enjoy your writing and this blog looks great. I am sharing it every change I get.
Robert, thanks so much for saying so. I’ll look for your comments in the future. (Now that they’re approved, they’ll be published right away.) Are you associated with RetirementMedia.com? The site looks really vibrant and interesting.
Love your redesigned blog. I think I’ve signed up, but I’ll double-check.
You and I are in the same place when it comes to grandchildren and babysitting. After my granddaughter spends the day with me, I’m wiped out! Enjoy your newfound freedom. I’m looking forward to reading all about your adventures here.
Thanks for stopping by, Sandy. I think this approval process only happens the first time you comment; sorry for the wait!
I love the new design! One thing though is I didn’t see a way to contact you (I was going to drop you a separate note to congratulate you on the successful transition). Did you mean to leave off an E-mail address?
The design is crisp and clean and I really liked the moving header especially. I look forward to more of your wisdom in the future.
Nancy
Aw, thanks, Nancy! I’m still ironing out some wrinkles, and based on what you say, my contact info probably needs to be more prominent. Thank you for the feedback, and for the nice things you said.
Yay for your new website! And so glad I remembered to come looking for it today! I’m signed up again. You might (or not) notice I’m using a new email address. I think I get better service through gmail, so we’ll give that a try.
GLAD you’ll have more time to write! I do get it that grandchildren are incredible–and BUSY little people–and that it’s a good thing parents do their parenting when they’re young (by our standards).
See you here and elsewhere! Jan
Thanks for coming by and re-upping, Jan.
Beautiful redesign, Lynne — bet you’re glad to be up and running again!
I can only imagine how hard it must be, seeing the babysitting gig end. But you’re right. It’s time to get back to your life, back to blogging and reading and writing and all. Still, what lovely memories you and Bill have made — and how happy the parents must be, knowing their kids were in such capable hands!
Debbie, so great to hear from you! And yes, it was a stellar investment in family. But we have some old habits to try to unlearn. This morning? We slept in until 5 freakin’ 30. Can you believe it?
So glad you’re back, Lynne. Beautiful website! A brand new look for your next phase of success. Best wishes to you.
Thanks, Jim! It feels more like a studio than a website.
Love, love, love your new look. Even though I know you have mixed emotions “retiring” from your babysitting gig, I am so glad that you will have more time to devote to your books and blog as I have missed reading you weekly, so naturally, I am signing on to receive updates.
Thanks, Pat! (Looks like I might have to re-approve all my old friends; sorry!) But yes, it’s so darned good to be back. Best wishes to you as well.