Additional Coverage:
- I’m in my late 60s, and I’m single with no kids. I have grief about not being a grandma. (newsbreak.com)
As a child, I never thought I would marry. I yearned for children, but feared societal and parental judgment if I became a single mother.
Now in my late 60s, my furry companion, Poppy, fills my days. I have lived a fulfilling life as a travel writer, exploring destinations beyond many people’s dreams.
Throughout my travels, I often admired children’s clothing, wishing I had someone to buy them for. Though I sometimes did, it was always for friends’ children, not my own.
Though I come from a Jewish background where marriage was not prioritized, I did meet someone I considered my life partner. However, our relationship did not last.
As I aged, my biological clock ticked, and my desire to be a mother intensified. Yet, I lacked the courage to have a child outside of a stable relationship.
I hoped to find a partner with children, becoming part of their family. Unfortunately, it never materialized.
Over the years, I filled the void by caring for friends’ children, even temporarily living with them. However, when those children started families of their own, I remained an outsider.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized the joy of having a loving family. My parents were distant from their siblings, so I missed out on large family gatherings.
My friends are now grandparents, and while their babysitting days are over, they remain a part of their families. I often feel a twinge of envy when they share stories about their children and grandchildren.
However, I find solace in my companion, Poppy. She is a loyal and affectionate friend, accompanying me wherever I go.
I am also grateful for my fellow single friends. While I may not have a family in the traditional sense, I am content with the bonds I have formed.