‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.’ This classic Dickens’ line could describe many of our experiences in life. For us, our lives changed a about a year ago when our son and his family moved in with my husband and I. After living by ourselves for several years, our house is now overflowing with people and belongings.
Like so many families we have opened our home to our children and grandchildren. We are now struggling to blend two households, two very different lifestyles and three generations. A sign of the times, the declining economy, poor health, the reasons are as many as there are families in our situation.
Even after a year this is a time of adjustment, patience and learning. The Pollyanna in me looks for the positive in our situation, beside the obvious that we are helping our family. Our daughter-in-law has been in the family for eight years now but I feel I’ve actually gotten to know her in a way I never would have before. Likewise she has repeatedly told me how helpful we have been and how much she’s learned from us.
I know other grandparents who are unable to see their grandchildren as they live in different states. We are able to see our grandchildren everyday. Yes there are days this is too much to handle. Like now, I’m working on my blog-- the television is on in one room and I can hear the radio behind me so I put on a pair of headsets to block the sound and keep working. There are also the times when our five year old grandson sits between my husband and I and asks us how our day was, a true Kodak moment.
Our house is not spotless and we are once again stepping on Lego’s and Hot Wheel cars but family is family and like always we are rolling with the punches or as my mother-in-law used to say ”go with the flow”.
Rosemary
Hi, Cinnamon!
ReplyDeleteI can very much relate to your situation as my sons and significant others along with grandchildren have moved into my house at various times. As you said, it's a mix of emotions and adjustments. I love having them close, but I'm also a person who needs a good measure of "alone time," especially when I'm at the intense writing phase of my books. So cool you are finding much to enjoy with your overflowing house!
-Amber Angel
You know, there is something about new lives, new children [grandchildren], and new trips to the Lego box or tub of hot wheel cars, that is just so powerfully poetic and loving. The near mystic cycle of life is a poem in itself. Do you think we are given chances to rewrite or improve history? Life as we know it is a very good post.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Salinas.