Unbreakable bond – Grandchildren inspire major move to GemLife

WHEN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD GRACE HUMPHRYS’ NETBALL TEAM WON THE GRAND FINAL THIS YEAR, HER GRANDMOTHER SUSAN WAS THERE TO CHEER HER ON AND GIVE HER A VICTORY HUG.

“Being there for our grandchildren – Grace, 12, and Olive, 8 – was the reason my husband David and I made the major move recently from Daylesford, Victoria, to start a whole new life at GemLife Maroochy Quays on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Their family moved up here first and we missed them so much we just couldn’t go any longer without seeing them again on a regular basis,” said proud grandmother Susan Humphrys.

Since arriving about two months ago, Susan has set about making up for lost time by helping out her son Luke and his wife Fiona, who both work, by minding their children at every opportunity.

“We see the grandchildren most weeks and

it’s amazing. They love coming to our home at GemLife because they get to swim in the pool, play ten-pin bowling and take other residents’ dogs for walks. We also taught Olive how to play Chinese checkers and now all she wants to do is beat grandma, which she does convincingly,” said Susan with a smile.

The committed grandma said her grandchildren were always asking questions about what their own parents were like as kids. The girls also enjoy watching the same shows as their grandparents and thirst for knowledge on many different topics.

“They even ask David about the world wars and are fascinated by photographs of places and icons around the world. They never seem to run out of questions for us to answer.”

Games of all sorts are a big hit with both girls while Grace also loves to help Susan bake fresh biscuits.

Susan admits she can’t help but spoil her grandchildren by taking them for an ice cream or drink after netball, serving up their favourite meals which include shepherd’s pie, spaghetti and apple crumble or treating them to a day out at a theme park.

She said there was something truly wonderful about the bond they shared, and life would feel empty without them.

“It’s extra special to be able to watch them grow and hope the example you and their parents show leads them down the right path.”

She added that the love children feel for their grandparents was priceless.

“They know they can rely on you, and they love to share their successes and failures because you will encourage them and love them no matter what!”

“They are the next generation, and it is interesting to watch them develop into what and who

they are going to be. They are all so different and unique and we get to watch them grow and mature, obtain good values and learn and experience many wonderful life adventures. We are here to guide and look after them and we get to see it all. Life truly is wonderful when you have grandchildren.”

Young Olive brought a tear to her grandma’s eye one day when she said: “My dad is a really good dad, grandma … that must be because you were a really good mum to him.”

Grace and Olive are looking forward to seeing Susan and David at their school for Grandparents Day at the end of the month. “Just try and keep us away,” quipped Susan.