Most of you know I watch my grandchildren after school until my daughter gets home. Well the school year is coming to an end very soon. My grandson will “MOVE UP” to kindergarten at the beginning of June and they will have a ceremony at the school. Field day is also coming next week. John and I love to participate in these activities. They are lots of fun and great memories for the kids. I do feel for many parents including my daughter and son in law because they are not able to be there. The kids notice it when no one is there. I missed a mass the other morning which was celebrating the May crowning of the Blessed Mother. My granddaughter said “How come you were not there grandma?”
Like I said I love watching them and they are our life. The other day after my daughter picked them up a neighbor was outside. She remarked how big they were getting. It was a Thursday. I only bring this up because the conversation went on about how I could rest on Friday. She asked me why and I told her that my son in law’s dad picks them up on Fridays.
Of course I mentioned to her that it was a long week and we did a lot with them. She them said “You are so lucky, you should not complain.” She also knows what I am dealing with because of John. I said to her “Yes I am lucky, they are healthy but we are not as young as we were when we had our kids.” She said it again “Oh don’t complain you are home all day and can rest.” Then I was perturbed. “Okay yes I am home, but I am still primary caregiver of my husband. Your husband can put on his own pants, get into bed by himself, and you do not have to worry about him falling.” Well by then she said “okay well goodbye and good night.”
Now again, I am not a complainer to anyone. I am always the one who sees the glass half full – Pollyanna. But sometimes when I get a reaction like that from someone who tells me not to complain, well that just really annoys me. I know she probably meant well but it just hit me the wrong way. Everyone has a right to complain, just make sure it is to the right person.
