A Few Thoughts That Have Come to Mind
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
United States
May 8, 2019 8:09am CST
Little Miss has been sick with some kind of viral infection. She has run a fever and I had to stay home with her. Of course my mind runs amuck when I have a considerable amount of down time.
Mother's Day is Sunday, and I began to think of gifts I could get for my mom. She always loved to receive gifts and often focused on how much something cost. She would read each card she received, then turn it over to see how much it cost and mention how much one of my other siblings spent on a card for her. That would make my eyes roll and also make me chuckle a little bit.
I no longer worry about how much to spend on a gift or card for her. She smiles and receives the gift we give her and forgets who gave it to her in a split second. I don't have to worry about her not enjoying the gift I purchase or make. For a moment she loves every gift.
I miss the struggle of finding the perfect gift for her. My gift to her now is usually a bag of goodies. Chewing gum, sugar-free candies, a new brush or comb, items she needs for personal care.
My little one will soon have a new name. Her adoption will be next Friday. She will be getting mine and my husband's last name. My mind is having a hard time wrapping around the fact that my granddaughter will legally me my daughter.
There is 114 days until I officially retire. Will I truly fully retire? Will I be happier not working full-time. I have told myself yes. Financially it will be a little tough, but, money isn't everything.
Thanks for reading my thoughts.
9 people like this
8 responses
@HazySue (39265)
• Gouverneur, New York
8 May 19
Your granddaughter is one lucky little girl to have you for her mother. As for retiring, sure it will be less money but thinking of all the time you will have to spend with that precious little girl. I was worried about being bored when I retired but, I am busier that I was when I was teaching.
2 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
8 May 19
I am looking forward to doing things with Little Miss and those who are special to me as well.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
8 May 19
@Dena91 I am sure that we will be fine with finances. Hubby just got a promotion and a raise too.
Nice that Mike's parents adopted their granddaughter too. It does make a difference in their lives.
2 people like this
@Dena91 (17029)
• United States
8 May 19
@ElusiveButterfly We were a bit concerned when Mike retired in 2014 and I cut back on some of my customers so I could spend more time with him, if we would struggle a lot financially.
Because we have always budgeted it wasn't so bad. We are very happy, our bills are paid. You'll be fine.
Thankful you and your husband are able to adopt your grand daughter. Mike's parents did the same thing with their oldest grand daughter and it made a great difference in her life. Have a blessed day
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (56195)
• Canada
8 May 19
You do have a lot going on right now.
For me, spending time with my parents is the very best gift that I have ever been able to give to them on either Mother's Day or Father's Day. I was brought up by a very practical set of parents who made me realize that one such day during a calendar year is just that. It is a nice day to stop and give thanks to our parents, but that should also be extended every day during the year. But they taught me not to spend a lot of money on gifts for that day, and I never have.
Your official day of adopting your daughter (can I call her that now?) is quickly approaching. A day that you will long remember and cherish.
Will you retire fully or drop down to a part time status and ease into retirement slowly? I plan on retiring within the next decade, and I am getting used to the idea by spending these last 8 or 9 years by working 2-3 days a week. And everything that I earn goes directly to our retirement funds.
2 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
8 May 19
I never spent a fortune on my mother. Bought her a mother's ring many years ago and she never wore it. Was kind of a slap in the face. So, I stopped the elaborate gifts and gave her what she truly needed and kept within my budget.
When I retire, it will be half-time, doing respite work for one of my clients. Really looking forward to that. She is my favorite.
We are focusing on buying a new home for us. All of our funds are tied up with that.
2 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
8 May 19
People say I will be busier when I retire than I was when working full-time! We shall see.
1 person likes this
@dodo19 (48119)
• Beaconsfield, Quebec
8 May 19
@ElusiveButterfly I've heard people say that. I can't say for sure, as I'm not there yet. Only time will tell what will happen.
1 person likes this
@marguicha (230334)
• Chile
8 May 19
I have missed some of your posts. Why are you adopting your granddaughter? Another thought comes to my mind: when Sofía was very little, she loved to unwrap many very small and cheap presents for Christmas. We did just that. Your mother will probably will be happier with the different gifts in colored papers.
And last but not least: I´m sending good vibes so that little miss gets well
And last but not least: I´m sending good vibes so that little miss gets well1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
8 May 19
My daughter gave up her parental rights. She needs to focus on getting herself better. My granddaughter has been with us for over 2 years now. We are adopting her so she will have a permanent home.
2 people like this
@marguicha (230334)
• Chile
8 May 19
@ElusiveButterfly She is a lucky child to have such grandparents.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
8 May 19
@marguicha we are blessed to have the opportunity to raise her and make a difference in her life. By adopting her we are also able to let her mother visit her and be a part of her life as well. I feel it is important to do this.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (254949)
• United States
10 May 19
I hope Little Miss is feeling much better by now.
Growing up I made cards for my mother and spent what I could afford, even right up to her last Mother's Day, just days before she passed away. We were taught to love every day, not on one specific day of the year. I raised my sons the same.
Little Miss is lucky to be getting you as her mommy and hope all goes smoothly at her adoption today.
You told yourself right! You will be happier not working full time and have the time to devote to your little daughter.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
13 May 19
Little Miss is feeling much better. Her allergies are giving her a run though. She has a cough and runny nose. Can't wait for the pollen levels to drop!!!
The adoption will take place this Friday. We are planning an entire day around it. Heading out early (we have a 3 hour drive to the courthouse) so we can stop here and there. Also meeting my husband's cousin that owns a BBQ truck in a town near where we will be going. We will be bringing the fishing poles, just in case the weather cooperates so we can cast a line. There are many places to fish along the way.
I am totally embracing the retirement thing. Can't wait.
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
15 May 19
@DianneN supposed to be rainy on Friday. But, we will still have an enjoyable time. I will make sure to stop along the way to take in a few points of interest. Love the sights we will see on the way up and back.
1 person likes this
@DianneN (254949)
• United States
14 May 19
@ElusiveButterfly How wonderful to make an exciting and happy day out of it. Have a wonderful time and hope all goes smoothly and wonderful for you all.
1 person likes this
@oahuwriter (26773)
• United States
14 May 19
Happy retirement. Check benefits.gov for more benefits for Americans to see what you qualify for in your State. Every little bit helps when you retire. Sorry to hear about Little Miss and hope she gets and stay well! Good luck in your retirement and for you and your daughter to be!
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
15 May 19
The little one is much better. Her allergies are giving her trouble though.
Thankfully I know what I am going to receive for benefits when I retire. I also know how much I will be allowed to earn as well.
1 person likes this
@oahuwriter (26773)
• United States
18 May 19
@ElusiveButterfly
Then you're all set, that's great!
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@just4him (323168)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
8 May 19
I'm so happy for you. You've waited a long time for this adoption to happen.
I'm sorry your mother doesn't remember much today and glad she's happy with everything. It's hard to see your mother like that.
You will be busier when you retire than you are now. I don't regret one moment of my retirement. I'm having fun.
I'm sorry your mother doesn't remember much today and glad she's happy with everything. It's hard to see your mother like that.
You will be busier when you retire than you are now. I don't regret one moment of my retirement. I'm having fun.
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
8 May 19
My mother has Alzheimer's and finding things to bring her a smile isn't easy. Rather than buy her clothing she will never wear or books she will never read, I buy her little things.
Thank you. We are very blessed with many things. Adopting Little Miss is a venture and I embrace it fully.
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