As we approached retirement age, and after my husband, Chuck, had spent 35 years opening and closing his business, Compton and Son Appliance, we were so excited about the adventures ahead. We dreamed of traveling, of staying away for weeks or even months at a time and finally embracing the freedom we had worked so hard to earn.
But the greatest adventure we never expected was becoming grandparents six times over: five beautiful girls and one amazing boy, each of them a light in our lives. Being with them, seeing them grow and laughing with them — there’s no greater joy. Nothing prepares you for the love you feel when your grandchild is born. It’s a miracle that can’t be fully understood until you live it.
God always knows what’s ahead for us. We might think we have our plans all figured out, but He has a plan that unfolds in His time. And honestly, had he told us ahead of time, we probably wouldn’t be ready. We’d cry, scream, maybe even throw a full-on 2-year-old tantrum. But when the time comes, He equips us with everything we need.
One day, Chuck and I found ourselves stepping into a new chapter — as grandparents raising a child. This role comes with deep lessons. After 50, you learn not to sweat the small stuff. You let them wear mismatched clothes to school. You read the bedtime stories. You do the sleepy-time yoga. You laugh more. You hug tighter. And when your patience wears thin, you pray.
Life after 50 brings a different kind of appreciation — a deeper one. It’s the time to teach kindness, compassion and, most importantly, to teach little ones about Jesus and how deeply they are loved. That’s the legacy we hope to leave behind.
Ada, our little miracle, was born for a purpose — and God knew it long before we did. Every day starts with an extra hour of yoga, Pilates and prayer, just to get ready before she wakes up. And then, it’s go-time. Dance class, gymnastics, silly giggles, the strong will and those inevitable tantrums — but oh, what a gift she is. She’s smart, funny, beautiful and bursting with personality.
This isn’t the retirement we’d planned, but it’s the life we were meant for. And we wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Jill Compton is the director of the WOW Care Closet and proud grandmother of six. Reach her at jill@wowcommunity.org.