Youre taking advantage of Gran. She looks after your child and wont even have mine on the weekends.
There are moments in life when you simply have to find a quick fix. Thats exactly what happened to me, Richard.
My son, Oliver, is four now. Theres no doubt in my mind that hes absolutely perfectas perfect as little boys ever are. I wouldnt say his behaviour is exemplary, but really, which children are? Theyre always a bit mischievous. Anyway, weve got another baby on the way, and thats where things got complicated.
On my recent visit to the midwife, I was referred straight to St Marys Hospital. There was something for them to keep an eye on, and I had to be admitted right away. The pressing question was, who would look after Oliver?
My wife was away on business, not due back for another ten days. Both my parents still work full-time, and there werent any other relatives nearby. Thats when my grandmother stepped up and offered to take care of Oliver until I got out. Shes seventy now, and I wasnt sure shed be able to keep up with himhes a bolt of energybut she insisted.
We worked it out between us: my parents in the City said theyd come round to help after work, while Gran would have Oliver during the day. It seemed the best we could do.
I have to admit, I still worried. This is my son were talking about, after all. But there were simply no other options. I rang Gran a dozen times a day to make sure everything was alright, and, to my genuine surprise, they managed brilliantly together. The week flew by in a blur. Once Laura got back home, she immediately took over the reins.
Not long before I was due to be discharged, my sister Charlotte called. She was quite upset with me. Her daughter, Alice, is only two, and apparently no amount of pleading could persuade Gran to look after Alice for as much as a weekend. She said her little one was still far too young.
Charlotte practically begged Gran, but Gran was having none of it.
Youve taken advantage of Gran! Charlotte exclaimed.
I explained, I didnt have a choice. I couldnt bring Oliver to hospital with me, could I? I even asked you for help, and you said no. Now you want to leave Alice with Gran just so you can get some proper rest and time to yourself. Thats not the same. Besides, you know yourself a toddler that young cant be left with someone her age. Why not take Alice to Mum and Dad?
They dont want to look after her, and I never get a break! she shot back.
In my heart, I cant agree with her. Theres a world of difference between a two-year-old and a four-year-old. If Id had any other choice, I never wouldve had to leave Oliver with Gran in the first place. I feel Charlottes being unfair in saying Ive somehow tricked or used our grandmother.
Reflecting on all this, Ive realised that family will often surprise you with their strength and kindness, but its up to us not to take that for grantedor to judge too quickly when we all have our own problems to solve.
