Wow!
So many different reactions. You know what??? We are actually adults, not just parents and grandparents.
We need to remain active, social and involved. If you build your life around your children, they will grow up and become independent some day. You will be the one left behind and lonely.
One of the reasons the TV appealed to us so much is that we watched our widowed Moms. They each became lonely and bitter as the world kept spinning and their world got smaller and smaller.
My Mom still lives alone, and very lonely, in the home in which she raised us. Her life revolves around FOX news and the Weather channel. Her friends have passed away or are no longer healthy enough to socialize and she is a very lonely, bitter person.
I did not want to turn into my mom, or to leave my husband isolated.
TV offers so very much to enrich our lives in retirement and the opportunity to meet new people and create new relationships, new activities to try and a structure to provide networking and friendship.
3 of our 4 kids are thrilled for us. The daughter who lives in Ca, not so much. She realizes that we won't be as accessible as we have been. But she is happy that we found a place that we love in which to start our retirement. She will just miss us, so we will have to visit more often.
I see more cross country flights in our future, but also fun vacations here for the families and especially the grandkids. Can't wait to take the little ones on their first golf cart ride. What better place to entertain your kids and grandkids!!!
Embrace change and I bet your kids will turn around and realize that you have made a decision that will enrich your lives. And you know what.....We all deserve that after raising our kids and devoting years to our family and careers.
I work with new moms and their premature babies. The "maternal guilt" comes with that first baby and never really leaves.... that is reality. But after your work as a Mom is done and your kids are parents, (or adults at least) you do have the right to put yourself and your marriage first and have the opportunity to really ENJOY your golden years. Guilt Free!! And that is what they would want for themselves, and if they really look at the situation objectively, they will want that for you too.
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