Best Job of Your Life

I am a fortunate person. Blessed in so many ways. I wake every morning in a place that feels like it's always been home, although we only moved to a short time ago. Comfortable. Cozy. A perfect space. The loft office where I pass each day is bright with natural light and has room for my office toys and favorite paintings. 

Steve Jobs once said (paraphrasing here), "the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it." I so agree. 

I've gone from banker to business owner. From just me to a staff of ten, to only me again. Projects have been considerable (major event planning) to tiny (blog writing), from new product rollouts to website launches; strategic planning to seminar speaking. These days, I can be selective in the projects and people I choose to work with. I understand how some people can't think of retiring. So much of ourselves is tied up in what we do. But, in reality, every one of us has multiple jobs. Student. Sibling. Spouse. Confidante. Cheerleader. Caregiver. Parent. Protector. Planner. The list goes on. I'm currently a teacher, but I'm adding new roles of writer and retiree. 

We'll be celebrating our 45th anniversary this summer. A cruise with the family was originally on the horizon (we've been on quite a few over the years), but those plans have been put away. Instead, we'll gather the troops in Cape May at Magnolia Place (where we have been vacationing the past few summers - I told you, I'm so lucky.) And that's the job that is most important to me - family. 

All of those jobs above? Most are all rolled up in the role of Ma. I won't embarrass my sons with tales of their escapades as they grew from toddlers to teens to the terrific men they are. But I will say that I'm proud of them and their families - how they have embraced the world, used their talents and hearts to grow and love. I was always outnumbered - but when their wives joined the family, we evened the odds. 

But here's the kicker. With no offense intended to anyone else in the family - the best job of my life has been the role of GMa. 

Friends had always told us it was the best time of your life, but you really wouldn't understand that until it happened. They were right. We are in the enviable position to have our three grands nearby. They are 5 ½, four, and about to be 3. The new roles we play are - babysitter, book reader, block builder, grilled cheese sandwich or mac & cheese maker, lullaby singer, and sometimes wrangler. We've added car seats and a bucket of books to the car. Booster seats at Sunday dinners and non-spill cups the order of the day. We laugh at their jokes and antics. Marvel at their ability to use technology (already!) 

And then COVID hit. Or as the grands refer to it - the germs. 

"We can't be together until the germs go away." “Where's your facemask GMa?"  

Storytime moved to Zooms as we slowly built our "bubble." The same for Sunday dinners (we ate a similar menu, just online!) Now I understand many grandparents don't get to see their grandchildren, for whom Facetime and Zoom are the norms. But it sure hit us hard. So close and yet so far. As all of us moved to online learning, the bubble became stronger. We visited, with masks on, but at least we could be together. But with GG (great-grandma) as part of our daily responsibility, we remain cautious. 

 Fortunately, the cavalry is coming. My husband, son, and daughter-in-law have already received their first vaccination (I think every teacher/educator should be moved up the list in every state!), and I will get my first mid-February. (made it into that 65+ group. Guess AARP isn't the only benefit of being a senior - yet another job title.) We've made it this far - another month or so is definitely doable. 

Once things are back to "normal," I plan on enjoying every aspect of my GMa job. We're looking forward to them visiting and staying overnight. We'll plan trips to museums and movies. There will be games of checkers and more puzzles to complete. As my hubby and I start to check things off on our retirement list (a conversation for another day), we'll bring back souvenirs and memories to share. 

I know how lucky I am.