A New Beginning

During your life there are markers that tell of a new status in your journey through life. It was exciting when you got married and at the birth of your children new doors opened. You watched them grow and develop into adults. You were proud of their achievements and told anyone of just how wonderful they were. They became the center of your life and as a family you became a tight little society. You hoped it would never change but it did. Your children became adults and found partners who would be added to the clan. The outcome was an ever expanding and changing group with new dynamics and vitality.

Next came the grand children and with this event your whole life became a new adventure. You are swept away by the new vigor you feel and become so much more mellow. Grand children make you feel the way you should have felt when you had your children but this is different. You let your guard down and because you only have them for snippets of time you make every second count. They become your new children and you have a second chance to be what you always wanted to be but couldn't with your children. We all feel that change that is the reward for becoming grand parents.

These are the years when time is on your side. You have time to indulge and enjoy the grandchildren because you are relaxed and should be free from the stresses you had as young parents. The stage of children rearing comes at a cost. You are faced with just developing your career, buying your home, trying to maintain economic stability and sharing your life with your partner. Any of these challenges is difficult but at this time you have to muster enough energy to do all and well. Your very existence is dependent on how well you juggle your time and love to be successful

Next the grand children find friends and partners and somehow become less visible. If you are fortunate, your children will be close enough to stay in the family but your grand children probably will be ushered into different geographic zones to make a living or satisfy a partner or a dozen other reasons. When they have children you might have the good fortune to be available to enjoy their life and share in some of their adventures. This life cycle is reality and so far I personally have been blessed in having the best of all worlds.I have my family intact, grandchildren I see frequently and reasons to be a proud parent and grand parent.

With the announcement of an engagement and and future marriage of one of my granddaughters I feel the excitement which comes from the close relationship I have had with this valued person over the years. I have watched her grow from an independent, self directed child to a mature loving adult with much to offer the world. At this moment my excitement and emotional high ushers me into the next dimension of my life. I as all of our family are so happy that her journey which is just beginning adds another block in our extended family and strengthens the family connection in a wonderful manner.