Hi everyone, I'm new and just want to see if there are any other grandparents like me.
Firstly, I am autistic and highly creative I have 3 children in their 20's. I am working class, also lecture, also write. I am a freelance worker.
Secondly- I would really like comments not to give advice unless I ask for it because-
I know my life is challenging and that I have taken on a lot.
I am autistic and only ever say what I mean without underlying intentions. If I want help or advice I will always say.
I never need any encouragement unless I ask directly.
I am genuine, interested in others lives and how they may be like mine. That's the kind of thing I really like to know.
I prefer direct and truthful interactions with purpose.
So a bit about me, if you are reading on...
I am caring for my grandchild full time who is three. My house is s tip, but her room is lovely. I am messy and creative and passionate and try and make her life lovely. Can't do that every minute of the day but I try. I cry, ask the sky for answers and then I get up and do it all again. I hope I can keep getting up. I hope for better but I worry for her future.
This is a legal agreement currently as her parents work with social services. They are very young.
This is all focussed on my daughter and that is both hard for me to handle as I believe it is classist and sexist and also draining because I have to constantly read difficult reports. I have to insist that she goes forward being twice as good, as women always have to be, when really I would like to fight this system. I don't have the time or energy so I am focussing on her making huge change for her and being stoic and sticking to that. This isn't really working as I can't make decisions for her.
My daughter has had such a terrible experience from senior school up to meeting her partner that is filled with cruelty and shame that I won't divulge. And this has and will have a lasting effect on her. She is also autistic. Her partner is and so is, it seems my granddaughter.
In my work, I help people who fall under the radar to be creative and develop new stories so that other tales can be told by the people who experience them. I am what I need to be because I really love it, which is kind, nonjudgmental and inspiring.
As a freelancer I am constantly chasing work and as an older creative this is difficult. Not least because I know what I want to be done and in what way! I've many years of experience to reflect on.
But I need and thrive on time with my husband and also time alone. It's difficult because neither can happen at the moment. I'm losing myself and trudging through treacle to be healthy.
I want time with my sons who are shortchanged, I want time to become healthy but when I am alone I sit and rest. And I need to walk the dog! Look for work! Tidy the house! Think about next stages with my granddaughter!
Are there any Grans that have a life like mine?
