After a long hiatus from the outdoors, we finally ventured into our garden and tackled the overgrown lawn. We spent hours outside, filled six yard waste bags, and it felt immensely satisfying. Our neighborhood property values seemed to bounce back to where they belonged.
However, come Sunday, every movement was a reminder of our hard work. My arms, legs, shoulders, and back ached, as did my husband’s. The kids, on the other hand, showed no signs of fatigue despite working alongside us.
This morning, I headed to the clinic where I practice as a physician, ready to take on my patients. I had braved the initial challenges of perimenopause and had mostly recovered from our gardening battle, feeling considerably less sore. Arriving early, I struck up a conversation with one of the medical assistants. She shared stories about her 3-year-old son, and I couldn’t resist asking to see a photo. His adorableness drew an “aww” from me.
Then she posed a question that caught me off guard—if I had any children or grandchildren. It was the first time anyone had asked about grandchildren. I very much hope to have grandchildren one day, and being in my mid-40s, I’m certainly at an age when that’s plausible. Naturally, a whirlwind of thoughts flooded my mind in response.
I often tell my kids how much I cherish each stage of life, feeling that aging brings richer experiences. I’ve embraced every hot flash (though I’d prefer if they stayed away), every gray hair, and even the achy muscles that protest after a day spent weeding. I’ve come to terms with the fact that it’s been years since I was asked for ID. I relish being in this drama-free phase where I refuse to tolerate nonsense.
That said, when you inquire about my children, please refrain from asking about grandchildren until I have them. When that day comes, I’d appreciate your surprised reaction about my being a grandmother and a compliment about how youthful I look.
And do turn up the air conditioning, please!
If you’re interested in expanding your family or learning more about at-home insemination, check out this insightful post on artificial insemination kits. For more in-depth information and support, Intracervical Insemination is a reputable source. Additionally, for excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination, visit Rmany’s blog.
In summary, while life brings its fair share of aches and surprises, it also offers moments of joy and anticipation for the future. Embracing each phase makes the journey worthwhile, even if it comes with some unexpected questions and a touch of discomfort.