Retired 8 years ago when a special needs grandson was born. My daughter has two other sons and so I helped her with them and also spent many hours at the hospital so she had time with husband and sons. My Mom was stricken with alzheimers and I cared for her until her death 3 years ago. Special grandson died 2 years ago. Losing both of them within 10 months was very difficult but thanks to quilting I think I have made it through. Now I keep my 18 mo old greatgrandson. He is a joy. I enjoy my large, loud, loving family and missing those years of 8 to 5 never enters my head.
Growing old does have its compensations!