So, here it is Monday evening recovering from a busy weekend with my family in Wellington. I say ‘recovering’ because we had such a busy time, I was exhausted at work today. However, I wouldn’t change it for the world.
I have a son and a daughter who have blessed me with three grandchildren each. My daughter has three gorgeous daughters and my son has three equally gorgeous sons. In the weekend just gone, we flew to Wellington to celebrate a milestone for the oldest of our grandsons. He turned 5! It seems only yesterday that he was a wee bundle in our arms and now he is a cheeky, confident, outgoing little boy who is ready to go to school. I have tried to be at all my grandchildren’s birthdays if I can. I may have missed his younger brother’s last birthday, I’m not sure why – perhaps COVID?
I was there for my oldest grandchildren’s (twins) 5th Birthday too and went to see them settle in to their new classroom on the first day of school. I was there when they had their ears pierced too. They recently marked a couple of milestones of their own. First they started High School and then celebrated their 13th Birthday. Where has the time gone? Just as I accompanied them on their first day at Primary School, I offered to come with them to meet their teacher on their first day at High School. For some reason, they stared at me open-mouthed and looked horrified at the prospect!! But, I did make sure I contacted them after their first day to see how they went. Also, they did allow me to come along to the Open Day for the school last year, so I suppose they did share some of this new chapter in their lives with Nanna. They have a younger sister and I have shared her first day at school and every one of her birthdays. At 9 years of age this month, she has many more milestones to come. Hopefully, she will allow me to share them with her.
I have seen my son and daughter marry and live a good life with their spouses. I have been there for them – and they for me – when my oldest son passed away. One milestone I would gladly have missed if only I could. I have celebrated with them when all three of my children bought their first home. I have been there when my second son graduated from University and when my daughter graduated her course – which involved much hard graft – and became a registered Real Estate Agent. I celebrated her milestone of her first house sale.
All these things I have tried to share with them whenever possible. I have had my own milestones along the way and we have shared them too. Every milestone brings with it precious memories, that nothing can take away from me. Looking to the future, I hope to share many more milestones with my family.
If I can, I would like to share the following milestones/experiences with my grandchildren:
- To see them grow into adulthood
- To celebrate when they get their licence and buy their first car
- To get their first job
- To see them married or with a life partner who loves them
- To see them with a job or career path that makes them happy
- To have them share their hopes and dreams with me and have those dreams fulfilled
- Perhaps to see the birth of their own children – if they decide to have any
Whether my grand-children go to University or find a different path, I have no expectations and look forward to seeing them grow and discover what their path looks like. I only hope they will allow their Nanna to be part of their lives for many years to come.
For my children, I hope we share many more milestones together.
Dr. Edward Stieglitz says “the important thing is not how many years in your life but how much life in your years.” He’s got something there.
None of us know the years left to us, with or without Parkinson’s along for the ride. I am determined that I will pack as much life into my years as I can.
My greatest wish is to experience milestones and make memories with my family and have enough years to tick off at least some of the things on my wish list and maybe add some more…
My journey with Parkinsons 