There are some blessings to growing gray.
The kids are grown up, unless you happen to be one of the few who goes prematurely gray, or you get a very late start in getting those kids into the world.
I was reminded of the benefits of grown children today when my youngest came to visit me.
I guess the highlight was that he fixed my bike, that had been locked to my front porch unused since last fall. One gold star.
Another gold star was given when he bought me a root beer at a local coffee shop.
My son created his own breakfast, helped cook lunch, and got me riding my bike like a teenager again. More gold stars.
And this is just the youngest!
The oldest offers to give me his older car and a laptop. He and his brother buy me a new Canon camera and zoom lens. He pays for air flight tickets to visit him in California. He even had me as his house guest for a few months last year. Some gold stars for Bob.
My second son took me on a trip to Europe last year, my first out of the country, other than crossing the line into Mexico long ago. He also gave me an even newer camera recently for Mothers Day and gave me his old laptop.
The older daughter, who lives the nearest, will often take me out for meals on special occasions. And from her I received my stereo and television. She even purchased one of my photos from a recent photo show. I know I can always depend on Randee if there is an emergency.
Lastly, my younger daughter provides me with dairy products and produce, occasionally canned goodies, such as pickles and applesauce. Even better, Renee has put me up on her farm so I can once more envision my baby days on a farm with chickens, a cow and other animals.
So hurray for grown up kids! Yes, young couples, your kids will also one day be grown. You'll adjust to the empty nest. But no longer will you worry about getting babysitters. On occasion, you may be that babysitter! You'll be able to experience what it's like when your kids are so big that they also have kids.
Life has a funny way of moving onward as you get older. So, if you can, sit back and enjoy being that older person. Wear that silver crown with pride!
And thank your Higher Power that you've gotten through the earlier maze of kid raising. They are now on their own. They know how to cope. Then pat yourself on the back and look forward to an even better life of an empty nest clear of baby poop and pee, no half eaten worms or deafening chirps all day long.
You'll get used to it! You may even like the benefits like I do!