Grandchildren, Gallstones, & Gray Hair: The Era Of The Crone
Grandchildren, Gallstones, & Gray Hair: The Era Of The Crone Read More »
Grandchildren…that time in your life when your children have children. Honestly, it was quite a surreal experience. I guess when you are in the trenches having children, raising children, taking care of children, it’s hard to imagine YOUR children having children.
To fully portray my thoughts on this I need to share a little history. In brief, I married my high school sweetheart many moons ago. We are the exception to the rule, we lasted! Undoubtedly, most high school sweethearts don’t stay together much longer than 11th grade science class, only 2% to be exact. However, my marriage did. We actually still enjoy each other’s company.
Anyway, we finished college, we married, we had two kids. Our son came first, and then, four years later, our daughter. Generally speaking, we raised our family the best we could, with mostly good success. It should be noted, that raising independent children was a high priority for both me and my husband. By the same token, we saw our job much as nature. Raise them, teach them, expect from them, allow them, and of course, love them! For these reasons, my kids are fairly independent, trustworthy, and productive.
Jackson Gene Price (Jack) blessed us with his cute self on Oct 9, 2023. It was a mild and clear October night under a waning crescent moon. Uniquely enough, his olive skin makes me think he spent a couple weeks beachside before he decided to join us. Without a doubt, he shares his father’s and grandfather’s hairline even down to the cowlicks. Furthermore, his cheeks are becoming plump, which makes me think of my genetic links. Baby Jackson shares many traits with his sweet mother. There is no mistake, his button nose and small ears were gifts from mom. Collectively, he is quite perfect. Spoken like a true grandmother!
I am 49. My son is 25. A fresh new baby has joined us. The cycle begins again. My son has a son. Indeed, the new mom and dad are in for many joyous, challenging, and rewarding times ahead. Equally important, baby Jackson has a whole life spread out in front of him. What will he be like? How will he make an impact in the world?
Grandchildren have a way to make us take a moment and ponder about things. Maybe he will be like his dad and have the gift of gab and be able to spark up a conversation with anyone and talk for hours? Possibly he will love to travel, try new foods, and explore like his mom? Could he be like his aunt and only eat organic food and put in hours pumping iron at the gym? Clearly, he could be like his grandfather, Pop, and build, design, and create beautiful structures that would last longer than his lifetime. Or, maybe he will be like his grandmother, Lolly, and love to read, write, garden, and explore the natural world.
Whatever bits and pieces little Jack collects as his own will be left up to him. Meanwhile, the rest of us get to enjoy the story that Jackson will unfold. His journey, along with his parents’ new journey, is just beginning. As grandparents, we get to sit back and take in the show, and what a show it is sure to be!
Gallstones… Gallstones… Gallstones… How the heck did this happen to me? To clarify, I always assumed my lifestyle would protect me against gallbladder problems. Well, let me tell you, I stand corrected! Don’t get me wrong, I eat fried heavy foods from time to time. Nonetheless, I do pride myself on choosing healthy meals most of the time.
However, the fact is, that sometimes things just happen. We can do our very best to eat well, get enough exercise, and sleep well, but sometimes health problems will arise. This lesson hit me square in the gut a week or so ago with a diagnosis of gallstones! Interested in an easy way to exercise consistently? Learn more about my live online fitness classes coming in Jan 2024 Here!
I believe there is an intelligence that lives within us that is often beyond our understanding. As a yoga teacher, I speak of this very often in class. Nonetheless, I did not do a very good job at heeding my body’s warnings and alarm bells. Below is a list of things I learned through this experience.