My Granny must have been tough, strict, and pretty much a no-nonsense woman when she was much younger and bringing up my mother. To now see how she's always on the sides of these kids born yesterday makes me wonder what happened.
When it comes to reprimanding my nieces and nephews, Granny would want to protect them. Sometimes it gets in the way. But I remember the times as a child when I used to enjoy that protection from when my mom's anger would descend on me. There were also times when she'd always help out with demanding chores, like when my brother and I would have so much laundry to do on holidays from our boarding school.
Going as far as when I was way younger—say, a toddler—Granny would take care of us, especially when mom wasn't around or needed some help; bathe, feed, and many other things I don't even remember from back then.
It does seem at this point that Granny's done a lot more than I have ever done for her. I am just as indebted to her as my mother, so giving her what I can for the rest of her days is a sure thing.
The idea of professionals taking care of Granny 24/7 in a retirement home is grand. She's old, and she's no longer as strong as she used to be, so it'll be really good for her. But the real question is, is that really the best, and would she really enjoy that?
Reminiscing about the experiences with Granny, it's been blissful growing with and being taken care of by her. And living with her now that I am much older is just as memorable. I imagine the experience is similar for her. To have all that replaced with days and nights with other unfamiliar old people in retirement homes doesn't sound like a fantastic trade-off.
Adults get busy a lot, and we aren't always able to spend as much time with grandparents as they'd probably like. Having them around and spending the time in between with them, or even allowing them to enjoy the experience of taking care of their grand or great-grandchildren, is something.
Picturing myself in a retirement home in old age with random old people, only to see my children and grandchildren occasionally, doesn't even sound grand to me. It's important that old people are taken care of properly, but their time with loved ones is also important.
Perhaps a better solution would be to have good help and care—professionally, maybe—right at home for them. They might be old and retired, but they somehow play valuable roles in homes or at least the lives of the grandchildren. I know I do, at least.
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