What a beautiful story aired tonight on one of the nightly news station! Everyone in China is concerned about the effects of the one child policy on the nation and on the family unit. Many grandparents are raising the one grandchild that they have, while the parents work hard to support the family. I was surprised to hear that in China both men and women retire in their 50’s, something I wish existed in the West. These grandparents that are now retired and have struggled in the past are loving the opportunity they have now to enjoy their grandchild. One woman interviewed talked of her generation and the large number of children families had in the past, and how financially and emotionally life was difficult for her. There was no birth control so she had many children and struggled so. Now, she has the time to enjoy her grandchild and treasures these moments.
She was in the park, a place where many older Chinese people, love to enjoy the beauty and peace of nature, especially if they live in a bustling city. While her grandson rode his tricycle in the park, round and round, she was exercising with a group of women, gracefully moving her arms and legs, with the look of complete inner peace. There were lots of other children playing while their caregivers, their grandparents socialized. I’ve seen the simple beauty that exists in the parks, firsthand, the ballroom dancing, the karaoke, the Tai Chi and other forms of exercise. I love this communal joy!
We can learn so much from others if we open our minds and our hearts!
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