As I have written before, life brings surprises--some big, some small--some good, some not so good--some we hope for and others we fear. Everyone experiences each of these moments. Hopefully the good ones prepare us for the ones we wouldn't choose.
Today more and more grandparents are raising grandchildren. We are among that group. I suspect that we are even at the older end of that spectrum. Our boy-joy is now 10 and has been with us almost since the beginning. Parenting as grandparents was not in our "choosing" category but it came.
Fortunately, God seems to have equipped us for this job, at least in most ways. Our bodies, while not as they were in earlier years, are still fairly flexible and strong--not inflicted with arthritis or other debilitating disease . Our health, while having a few question marks, is basically sound and, at this point at least, free from the illnesses that the onset of old age can bring.
He's equipped us in other ways, too. Financially, though as with most everyone these days we don't have what we did a few months ago, we do have the means to support a child again. We have minds that embrace the new and keep up with changes time brings. We're quite techie and internet savvy; although I must admit the myriad remote controls still puzzle us at times. Bose--TV--Cable--DVR--Wii--DVD--somehow they all work together but there are times when we must call the 10 year old to show us how that is and to get us out of whatever mess we find ourselves.
So--we're not doing badly for all our years; however, the other night at dinner we were reminded that years do count and that the future does become shorter. Casey wants us to live till at least 100--and sees no reason why that is iffy. He wants us around for his children so that we can be great-grandparents and love them. Not a bad idea, is it? As long as we don't have to raise them, I'd sort of like to be around, too.
I have a pact with God which I believe He has agreed to. We are doing the job given us--parenting in our retirement years. His part of the bargain is to keep us healthy of mind and strong of body long enough to do this. So, the question is: Will he carry his part through long enough to give Casey his wish? Time will tell.
5 comments:
Jane, I know you would do anything for Casey. So, living to 100 should be a snap!
Yes, I think God will do his part too!
Thanks, Nancy.
Such a lovely post Jane. It brought tears to my eyes. Enjoy the weekend.
This is such a sweet post, Jane. Your strong believe on the greatness of God, along with Casey's help, will keep you both healthy of mind and strong of body.
I hope so! I wish that my grandmother could have lived longer for my girls. Cat was 4 when she died and does not remember her well. But she and Sophia would have gotten on like wildfire!
Post a Comment