Welcome!
Last time, I talked some about one of my retirement ideas of more purposefully spending time with my daughters and granddaughters.
I wanted to delve into that one a little bit more because I think it is so important. In this day and age of crazy schedules, families going 10 different directions at all points of the day and night, and everyone just trying to make a life and a living, I feel that this connection is essential.
In the craziness of everyday life, we can all tend to feel isolated, afraid to admit uncertainties and outright fear. I remember feeling that way often, even though I did have a fantastic Mom who was always there for me until she passed away when I was 35. I am so glad to be here for my girls and grandgirls and try to be for them what my Mom was for me. I want to be there to listen, offer them hope and perspective from my longer time at this living business. I want to be open to them about my experiences in preparing for, and actual, retirement, both from the financial preparation perspective AND the emotional and expectation perspective, so that hopefully they learn from my positive and negative steps toward that phase in my life, and from all phases of my life.
I know how much I miss my Mom even now, and how much I wish I had more years with her. My family is not extremely long-lived, so I don’t have many expectations of living to 100. Therefore, I can’t be waiting and putting off these opportunities to make sure my daughters and granddaughters know their history and their strengths, hearing some suggestions on handling adversity and just knowing they aren’t alone on the journey. But, definitely to one reader’s point, getting those times together can be tricky, just due to the craziness of life! I think our best bet is to be very intentional and plan ahead as much as possible…even then of course, flexibility will be key!
Today was a little heavier than most blogs…but I felt this was important food for thought. I think it is our responsibility to provide a listening ear along with imparting both the good and bad of our experiences to our children and grandchildren so they can look back when something is going on for them and know that someone understood.
Next time, a little lighter, I promise!
Mary