In her column, Tracy shares experiences and lessons learnt as she navigates life and grows with her two boys. To share your views email Tracy on [email protected] In her column, Tracy shares experiences and lessons learnt as she navigates life and grows with her two boys. To share your views email Tracy on [email protected]
Image: File
This past weekend was one of those heartwarming moments that reminded me just how incredibly blessed we are to have our parents around.
With both sets of grandparents in their mid-60s to mid-70s, you might think they’d be slowing down, but let me tell you, they’re just as full of energy as my boys, who have a lot of it.
My little ones can be like Pinky and the Brain on a caffeine binge—constantly scheming and bouncing from one adventure to the next.
But somehow, their grandparents not only keep up, they thrive in the chaos, and for that, I’m eternally grateful.
This past weekend, we decided it was time for a little split-and-conquer situation.
Big boy went off to spend the day with my parents, and little brother spent his time with my husband’s folks.
He seized the opportunity and turned his visit into an official sleepover. My parents, who are always up for anything, took him on his very first train ride.
I don’t think he stopped talking about it the entire weekend—he even met one of his school friends on the train (because, of course, he knows everyone).
And then, as if that wasn’t exciting enough, he saw Spiderman! Well, it was just a kid dressed up, but to Big Boy, it might as well have been the real deal.
They ended up taking the Fish Hoek route from Wynberg, and from there, made their way to Cape Town.
A quick stop at KFC (naturally, a bucket for one—his words, not mine) made it all the more memorable.
Big boy with his pa on the train to Fish Hoek
Image: Ma Williams
My parents even took him to the Company Gardens, where he fed squirrels. Of course, there was a slight moment of hesitation, since Big Brother had been “attacked” by squirrels when he was only three years old.
But he braved it out, and despite that mini-trauma, he had the time of his life. This wonderful day was all thanks to Ma and Pa, and hearing him recount it was the highlight of my weekend.
Meanwhile, Baby Brother was enjoying his own adventure.
After a quiet Friday evening and a leisurely Saturday morning with just the three of us—Hubby, Baby Brother, and me—he finally made his way to spend the rest of his weekend with my in-laws.
There’s something so special about the walks he takes with Ma and Pa in their garden. His little face lights up every time they step outside, and I can’t help but smile when I think of how much love and joy they share. It’s the simple things, isn’t it?
Hubby and I went off to an event, and I have to admit, there was a bit of that parental anxiety. I checked my phone a few times, hoping to see a message or call just to reassure me. But there was nothing.
Big boy with his fake-real dog
Image: Ma Williams
Not a single call. And that’s when it hit me—the realisation that my kids were in the best possible hands. Our parents, who we trust so completely with our little ones, love them unconditionally. They’re not as spry as they used to be, but man, do they give it their all. They’ve raised us, and now, they’re helping raise the next generation. That is such a blessing.
At one point, I thought about calling, but my boss, who also has kids around the same age as mine, reminded me that everything was okay.
She had to get a babysitter for her two boys, and in that moment, I realised just how fortunate we are to have grandparents who are so involved, so loving, and so present. Not everyone has that.
So, here I am, reflecting on this weekend, with a full heart and a deep sense of gratitude.
Our parents may be getting older, and they may need a little more rest these days, but they’re still there for our kids in ways that words can’t quite capture.
What a gift it is to have them around, watching over our little ones with so much love and care. I just wanted to take a moment to acknowledge that—thank you, Ma and Pa, for everything. We love you beyond measure.
Weekend Argus