A few years ago, I wrote a book called ‘Celebrating Grandmothers’. Some people wonder what the title was all about. Was it a good title or, in retrospect, should I have given it a different one? The purpose of a book title Book titles are supposed to catch the reader’s…
As we move into our ‘senior years’, a whole lot of new questions begin to emerge in our day-to-day thinking. Some of us may look into the future and begin to worry about coping with long term illness or, indeed, dying. Others, in contrast, may begin to think about the…
A friend asked me recently whether she should take on the role of volunteer in a cause she believed in and for an organisation she trusted. My immediate reaction, based on my own experience, was “Yes, go for it.” Being a volunteer is likely to present a whole new series…
In recent years, we have all become conscious of the hidden army of people known as ‘carers’ (‘caregivers’ in the US). These are the people who look after a frail (or confused) family member or friend. They may be daughters (or sons) looking after an elderly parent or, perhaps, a…
An old friend and I were chatting recently via email. She had sent me a photograph she had taken of me earlier that day. I replied that it made me notice how very white my hair is and that I needed a haircut. It also reminded me that I…
People everywhere are fascinated by sex. I am not the first to say so. We wonder what other people do and when and what it means to them. And some wonder how long it continues. When I was in my 20s, I naively thought that sex was only for…
It is a well-known fact that we begin to lose our memories as we age. I’m not talking about serious conditions like dementia, but just day-to-day problems of bringing something to mind. Much of it isn’t too important, but occasionally it is. Conversations with No Helpful Details My conversations with…
Keeping up with children’s food preferences – or should I say prejudices – is a job in itself. It was hard enough when we were mothers and handled it every day. But it is harder as a grandmother since we have to remember who will eat what, while we don’t…
Yes, I would like to be notified about the publication of a short book of reflections on growing older, provisional title: Older, a Little Wiser and Still Having Fun
It is said that once a mother, you are always a mother. However old your son or daughter may be, they are always your children. This may be right, but it is a blessing and a curse. Most of us cannot escape it. The Nature of Motherhood This realisation…
