In the beginning

In the beginning there was a mom..life was full and she felt fulfilled. Then life happened.  The kids grew up and had families of their own and now the mom has no identity.  Yes, she is a grandma and that is wonderful, she loves her grandkids with every fiber of her being. She has a job as a teacher that she enjoys for the most part...but...Where is the joy and happiness that should be a part of her life?  Where is the sense of accomplishment from before. There is no joy in cleaning the house or cooking meals for two. Then, her husband is given a job which requires many hours away from home and involves him in the lives of others.  He is fulfilled and thinks the wife should be also.  There is a huge empty hole in the heart and soul of the woman.  She feels put upon and taken advantage by her children and their expectations that she should be thrilled to be at their beck and call to watch their children.  But, it is not so.  This woman spent decades raising her children with no time to devote to hobbies or having friends.  There is no one to talk to, no one to vent to, and especially no one to give her a hug when it is needed.