Since my retirement, Ive found myself quite at a loss for what to do. Of course, I could have stayed at home and done absolutely nothing, but just as I was getting used to the slower pace, my grandson was born. My daughter was eager to return to work and suggested that I look after him part-time, for which she and her husband would pay me. We could have just helped each otherno money involvedbut I decided to humour their idea and stepped into the official role of nanny for my grandson.
Id raised my own two sons and a daughter, so tending to little Oliver came quite naturally. He grew up quickly, and before long, he started nursery. Suddenly, there wasnt much need for my help anymore. I thought perhaps I could take a little holiday for myself, but then my son-in-law came up with another idea for me.
Last year, they bought a cottage in the countrysidea charming stone housethough they rarely went themselves. They hoped I might look after the garden.
I took eagerly to it: mowing the lawn, trimming the hedges, and planting flowers in the early summer months. I loved staying overnight in the peace and quiet, and I eagerly awaited the childrens visits, hoping theyd appreciate the work Id put in. I practically had to beg my son-in-law to visit. Eventually, he popped over in July, glanced around the house and garden, nodded approvinglyand then proceeded to let me go. He said Id done a wonderful job, but they wouldnt be coming down this summerthey were off to the seaside, and it might be awkward to pay me.
Ive never felt so insulted, honestly. I never expected payment from themit was always my daughters insistence, and I saw it only as a gesture of support. Clearly, a trip to Cornwall was no trouble, but paying me was. I told my son-in-law he neednt bother paying, but Id like to keep the keys, so I could visit and keep the garden from going wild, otherwise it would all be overgrown by next spring.
I do wonder if, in the future, my children might lend me a hand, or if come winter theyll devise yet another job for meanything but giving me money for nothing. Or perhaps theyll simply decide my pension is quite enough for me to get by on my own…
