Letting go…again!

10 August 2024

How did we arrive here so quickly? It feels like just yesterday our three children were all under one roof. But now, as our eldest grandson begins his journey towards the teen years, having celebrated his tenth birthday in June, we see the next generation gravitate towards new friends and away from desiring to spend time with doting grandmothers. It's natural progress, and we're thrilled for him, as Oscar has worked hard to find his place among friends who share his love for soccer and attend the same school. It's truly wonderful to witness his growth in this environment, but it is, in some ways like letting go of precious children all over again.

The past few years since our return to NSW from the Territory have been filled with joy as we have cultivated relationships with Oscar and his younger brother, the dynamic Master A. As a grandmother, I can invest in each of my (now numbering seven) grandbabies in a different but equally impactful way than when I was raising their dad or mum. I cherish the moments spent nurturing them with all the love in my heart, planning special one-on-one outings, and listening to their thoughts and hearts, hoping they will stay as endearingly cute and affectionate as they are now, but knowing that time will take its toll on the cuteness factor.

The sacrifices we made when we left our family behind to go north for seven years were undeniably challenging. Leaving in 2015, when Oscar was just six months old, was particularly heart-wrenching. At that time, I didn’t know that it would be seven years before we returned to live in NSW. Although I looked forward to and cherished our holidays at home over those years, every departure left me with an overwhelming sense of emptiness. I worried that my little boy would barely remember me by the time I returned.

Now, as I watch Oscar begin to spread his wings and fly, my heart is torn between delight in his growing independence and a measure of sadness that the childhood years have slipped away so quickly. We can’t buy back time, so investing in the people that really matter is all that really matters!

Until next time…

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