This is beautiful Donna, so relatable and such a common experience I think. I recall feeling envy watching my own parents blossom into loving grandparents after raising me with harsh discipline and criticism. We live, we learn, we grow and I love that you are willing to name and own the mistakes of the past ❤
Thanks Vicki. So many 'mistakes'...life offers us so many opportunities to learn and grow. Grandparenting is a precious gift that not everyone gets or takes. I feel so blessed. Like I can finally be the person I always was but hadn't remembered! xx
Thank for writing this Donna, it really struck a chord with me.
My children are still fairly young but already I feel this sadness. I think for me, it’s a case of expectations versus reality of me as a mother and my parenting but also unrealistic societal pressures on mothers and what the ‘perfect’ mother is.. versus what is good enough.
Your grandchildren are blessed to have you as a grandmother and guide. x
You're so welcome Weyma and I recommend checking out Zoe blaskeys book and podcast both called Motherkind. She covers a lot of this impossible struggle for mothers and how to heal from it. Biggest Love xxx
Yes the sadness is natural isn't it Pearl? We missed out on so much and yet theres still so much to be grateful for. I am indeed blessed and am sure you will make a brilliant granny! ;-)
This is a lovely essay and the photos are a delight. Marion Woodman is a wonderful source of guidance and inspiration for all women. Of course she was a Jungian.
My goodness, that made me cry (and I’m on a train!). My most important job right now is mothering my two children. I’ve worked so hard on my own healing so as not to repeat our families generational trauma. But sometimes I’m tired or overwhelmed and I tell my own children to push those feelings right down. Stop making a fuss. Hide part of themselves so they don’t affect others. But I come back and apologise. Explain why I behaved like that and why I wish I hadn’t. And hopefully I don’t create the same scars. Although i know I will cause some.
Thank you. It helps take some of the pressure and judgement off myself to be reminded that we are all human. And that even people who are so knowledgable about the healing journey still crack sometimes.
This just resonated with me so very much ! I often wonder at the feeling of just being so present when I’m with my grandchildren . I’ve actually thought is there anywhere I’d rather be or is there more important work I could be doing . I don’t think so . It was something I never actually sought or thought I’d want but now they are here being their grandmother is an absolute joy ( most of the time and hard work the other bit - I’m a pretty for 67 but sometimes it’s quite tiring 🥴) . You have articulated so much of what I feel when I’m with them. I don’t have the overwhelm of worrying who they will turn out to be or if they will be okay . I can just see them as perfectly imperfect little beings who will travel through this world of ours with all its challenges . I also love watching my kids be parents . They are so much better at it than I ever was . Thank you Donna .
This is beautiful Donna, so relatable and such a common experience I think. I recall feeling envy watching my own parents blossom into loving grandparents after raising me with harsh discipline and criticism. We live, we learn, we grow and I love that you are willing to name and own the mistakes of the past ❤
Thanks Vicki. So many 'mistakes'...life offers us so many opportunities to learn and grow. Grandparenting is a precious gift that not everyone gets or takes. I feel so blessed. Like I can finally be the person I always was but hadn't remembered! xx
Thank for writing this Donna, it really struck a chord with me.
My children are still fairly young but already I feel this sadness. I think for me, it’s a case of expectations versus reality of me as a mother and my parenting but also unrealistic societal pressures on mothers and what the ‘perfect’ mother is.. versus what is good enough.
Your grandchildren are blessed to have you as a grandmother and guide. x
You're so welcome Weyma and I recommend checking out Zoe blaskeys book and podcast both called Motherkind. She covers a lot of this impossible struggle for mothers and how to heal from it. Biggest Love xxx
How beautiful, yes gratitude, grandsons and grace … and beautiful daughters with ancestors cheering. You certainly,y are blessed. Thank you 🙏
Thank you Simone xx
Awww lovely pics ❤️
I really relate to the sadness of not remembering parenting.
I feel very similar as not remembering much of anything.
I can not wait to be a grandmother ❤️ it’s like a second chance at being a mum 🧑
You are very blessed to have 3 gorgeous grandsons.
They to are very blessed to have you 🙏
Yes the sadness is natural isn't it Pearl? We missed out on so much and yet theres still so much to be grateful for. I am indeed blessed and am sure you will make a brilliant granny! ;-)
This is so lovely Donna, your 3 grandchildren are very lucky to have you as their grandmother xx
Thank you Mandy xx
This is a lovely essay and the photos are a delight. Marion Woodman is a wonderful source of guidance and inspiration for all women. Of course she was a Jungian.
Thank you Frances and yes Marion Woodman is one of my favourite Elders xx
My goodness, that made me cry (and I’m on a train!). My most important job right now is mothering my two children. I’ve worked so hard on my own healing so as not to repeat our families generational trauma. But sometimes I’m tired or overwhelmed and I tell my own children to push those feelings right down. Stop making a fuss. Hide part of themselves so they don’t affect others. But I come back and apologise. Explain why I behaved like that and why I wish I hadn’t. And hopefully I don’t create the same scars. Although i know I will cause some.
Thank you. It helps take some of the pressure and judgement off myself to be reminded that we are all human. And that even people who are so knowledgable about the healing journey still crack sometimes.
This just resonated with me so very much ! I often wonder at the feeling of just being so present when I’m with my grandchildren . I’ve actually thought is there anywhere I’d rather be or is there more important work I could be doing . I don’t think so . It was something I never actually sought or thought I’d want but now they are here being their grandmother is an absolute joy ( most of the time and hard work the other bit - I’m a pretty for 67 but sometimes it’s quite tiring 🥴) . You have articulated so much of what I feel when I’m with them. I don’t have the overwhelm of worrying who they will turn out to be or if they will be okay . I can just see them as perfectly imperfect little beings who will travel through this world of ours with all its challenges . I also love watching my kids be parents . They are so much better at it than I ever was . Thank you Donna .
Your grandsons are very lucky to have such a wise grandmother. They are sure to grow up into lovely young men, and the world needs more of them xx