The Underground Social Worker

I read this as not necessarily knowing exactly what you want to do or be but just in general that you want to do or be something. I think of my Grandmother, who has Alzheimer’s Disease, and how she quit her job when she got married because that is just what you did at that time. She never gave much thought about it.

My Grandfather was a Pediatrist and gave her comfortable living and she took care of him and raised three wonderful children. Although she did use her piano training to teach to neighborhood children (and her own grandchildren), after she retired from piano lessons, she revealed that she didn’t really enjoy playing piano much. She didn’t like reading either. It seemed that she didn’t think much about pursuing anything outside of family life. Perhaps piano lessons helped to give her a sense of pride and accomplishment.

My mother worries about developing Alzheimer’s because of the studies that link it to heridity. However, my mother went to college and although she took a few years off to raise children, went back to working as an elementary school teacher. This is actually her last year teaching before she begins her retirement, at the young age of 60. She has many hobbies and fulfullment outside of work, though, which I believe will carry her though her many years.

Volunteering, gardening, reading, spirituality and social engagements will no doubt take care of her well. I wish her a happy and purposeful life in this new venture.