Smalltalk Autumn 2015 | Page 33

Worcester and Droitwich Branch How Does It Feel to be a Grandmother? When my daughter asked me to write an article on being a Grandparent I did not know what to write. So I started with the simple question of “How does it feel to be a Grandmother?” I would describe it as being on a rollercoaster - ups and downs, anticipation and then reality, but definitely worth the trip! Unlike some of my friends, I never longed to have grandchildren – to me it seemed indicative of the ageing process. I recognise that young couples today are often driven by careers, financial burdens and fulfilling the countless opportunities on offer – and to add a child to that mix brings pressure in a life already lived in the fast lane. All I want for my daughters is for them to be happy doing whatever they choose to do. Having said that, it was elating to hear that a baby was expected and the anticipation of the new arrival was a learning curve to me as well as my daughters. The world has changed so much since the late 70’s/early 80’s – dietary pressures, car safety, work entitlements, paternity leave, technology – the list is endless. When I was pregnant soft cheese was rarely available in our shops, so I had no need to avoid eating it. We took photos on a reel of film which then went to the chemist to be developed and collected several days later. Scans during pregnancy were only carried out for specific reasons, not routinely as they are now and my girls travWorcester and Droitwich Branch Autumn 2015 33