Recently, my husband and I have become empty nesters - almost - our youngest just started college. And, I am not ashamed to say that I am really enjoying it. It helps that all three of our kids are currently happily doing what they want and check in with us regularly. I loved having them all home for Christmas. But, I definitely have dreams for a future without the responsibilities of raising children.Sometimes, though, things happen that cause us to change our plans. This story by wordstock, Adopting a New Life, movingly shows how this can happen.
Wordstock dreamed of living in a 100 year old farmhouse and being a camp host in Yellowstone National Park. Instead, she and her husband, who retired early, are attending little league games and volunteering in their grandson's fourth grade classroom. As John Lennon said, "Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans."
After a difficult time with their own son, they learned a hard lesson - that the smallest child was the most in need of protection. After a year fighting for custody, and another year going through the adoption process, they are now responsible for their 10 year old grandson. Their love for and pride in him is evident throughout this page. Now, their travels revolve around places they think would be important for their grandson's schooling. Between February and August, their lives revolve around baseball instead of fixing up their farmhouse.
Sometimes, the decisions others make affect our own. Wordstock writes,
There is the sadness at the loss of the dreams. Somehow that changes and you realize that what you wanted can't hold a candle to what you've been given.
Isn't her attitude amazing?
Woodstock has an 'amazing' attitude, as you say, Kim. Raising grandchildren after raising your own children is 'above & beyond' the call of duty as parents. But circumstances more often dictate what 'will and will not be' and sometimes our life turns inside out. I have friends who adopted and became legal 'mom & dad' to their grandson from birth after raising 3 children and retiring, so I can understand why this boy's grandparents made this important choice.
ReplyDeleteAn excellent choice for review... and I see a few more of Woodstock's lenses looking worthy of a 'read'. Thanks for introducing me to this lovely lensmaster, Kim.
Very sorry 'Wordstock' -- I see I misspelled your name in my comment. I'm sitting at my computer with 'reflected sunlight' on my screen and am having trouble 'seeing' the words. That's WORDstock, as in a delightful Squidoo lensmaster, NOT the 1969 Music Festival... LOL.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this great surprise. As always, I am humbled. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteYes, a truly great attitude. Have just recently come upon Adopting a New Life. Very inspiring!
ReplyDeleteI have such respect for the commitment she made to her grandson. Starting over would be hard, but for her, it's a labor of pure love. My hat is off to both of you! Great review!
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