New Beginnings in Midlife

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Today starts a new beginning for me.  The timing is appropriate since we’re in the Northern Hemisphere and Connecticut enjoys four seasons, which means that it is officially spring!  I’m taking delight in the daffodils that are popping out from my garden. Spring signifies new beginnings, rebirth, regeneration and another chance to refresh, re-group and get our bounce back.  Yet why is there no spring in my steps?  As a mid-life Baby Boomer Grandma, I don’t hit the ground running like I used to!

Since giving birth to my grandson in August and experiencing a prolonged maternity leave, my oldest daughter has the great fortune in today’s economy to be starting a new job as a marketing director.

Here’s where my saga beginnings.  But first, a little background.

Although I married at age 22, my first child wasn’t born until nine years later.  For nine years I was accustomed to the freedom and independence of running errands after a hard day at the office, which meant coming home to a quiet house.  My husband worked extended hours so it was just me and the dog of the moment.

Fast forward several years and two children later.  I was on the working mommy track of dropping off and picking up the kids at the family daycare provider.  Soon the children grew up and I became wistful of those earlier years whenever I drove by daycare.  I thought back to my babies and how I knew they were being cared for under the tutelage of my trustworthy friendly daycare provider as I went about my errands kid-free.

Things have come full circle and now I find myself with not one, but two car seats in the back of my car and picking up the grand-kids at daycare on my way home from the office.  I’m back to not flying by the seat of my pants with dinner — picking up whatever, or saying to my husband ‘let’s go out and grab a bite to eat.’

As an example, I still work full time and there may be a golden handshake in the offering at my place of employment.  My daughter is on a business trip and my charming son-in-law has been doing his best to take care of my grandchildren, which I’m certain hasn’t been easy for him.  While I had every intention of going into the office today, my plans changed suddenly.  I was called upon to do doggy daycare.

The grandchildren were dropped off at my house bright and early at 7:30 a.m. eager for breakfast.  Once daycare opened I dropped them off and was all set to head into the office.  My daughter and her husband are now in the market for a larger house and are exploring different towns. My son-in-law is originally from Vermont where his parents still live, so easy highway access is paramount.

My morning routine as a doggy daycare provider meant that I had to travel to their house to pick up the dog in order that the real estate agent could show the house to prospective buyers.

I feel fortunate that I’m able to help out my daughter and her family while in my mind’s eye, I’m “still a young age.” My own late mother-in-law was always at the ready to lend a helping hand to me in time of need, although she was retired!

While tending to the needs of my two delightful grandchildren until their mom picks them up at night, I have to force myself to once again manage my time more wisely.  I have become a list planner, memo-maker and rely upon my trusty crock pot slow cooker.  I find myself going through my cabinets and referring to one of my favorite cookbooks, Rachel Ray’s 30-Minute Meals for tasty quick and easy menus.

I don’t believe that my retirement will be happening anytime soon.  I can only daydream.

Photo by Cheryl Empey

Cindi is the author of Moomettesgram’s Musings where she offers WAHM tips, Moomette’s Magnificents Reviews, and Mama Mentor where she shares her personal musings and observations of a Baby Boomer Wife, Mom & Grandmother from New England. Follow Cindi on Twitter

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