Turning the corner and not knowing what to expect but will still keep walking.  I refuse to stand still and tolerate what I can and am able to change.  I am at the entrance and knocking on the door of the autumn of my life.  What I have done with my life up to now is history.  Have I made a big enough difference in this world that my presence brought a positive impact on someone? I hope so.  Now it is up to me to continue. To stay focused on what is yet to be.  I still have opportunities to continue doing good things.  I don't have to stand still and waste what time I have left.  And for now, my grandchildren are my inspiration to keep me going.

One of my favorite authors is Neil Gaiman and what he once said at a college commencement has been very inspiring to me.

A distant mountain. My goal. And I knew that as long as I kept walking towards the mountain I would be all right. And when I truly was not sure what to do, I could stop, and think about whether it was taking me towards or away from the mountain.... 

Make your art. Do the stuff that only you can do.

In a dream ....

Ever have a dream that maybe came true?  Today I woke up not any younger than I was but maybe a bit wiser. I had a dream last night that reminded me what was important in my life.  My children.  My life has been a simple one and that is fine. After reaching the half century mark, a feat denied to many, I more than ever respect the blessings I have been given.  I now embark on a new journey with the wisdom of a old school mama and the enthusiasm of a hip new grandma.  The spanish word for grandma is Abuela or Abuelita and as I have asked my grandbabies call me Lita. So came to be the name of this blog.  I hope to share with you my new journey and along the way meet new grandmas and grandpas and caregivers.  Afterall, we are all in the same salad bowl of life... just maybe different ingredients but still just as yummy and nutritional for the soul.  Along the way my wish is to share with you ideas, suggestions and advice for the grandparent who is in a "caregiver" mode for grandchildren. Whether we are caregiving out necessity or just because, we are all still  here for one thing:  to once again use our "mama and papa" skills for another new batch of babies.  And with that I begin this blog with:

Grandmother's prayer:

Author: Barbara Burrows

Oh Lord, I do not ask for much,
Eternal beauty, or youth, or such.
Just give me a little hand to hold,
And I'll forget that I'm growing old.

I do not ask for cloudless skies,
A life that's free from tears and sighs.
Just give me a little face to kiss,
And anxious moments will turn to bliss.

For what is there, really, that means so much
As little hands that reach and touch,
As little eyes that search and see
Only the best in fragile me?

So let me grow more loving and wise
By looking at life through their wide eyes.
For through these little ones, you have given
This grateful grandmother a glimpse of Heaven.