Texasmimi, a 62-year-old Boomer, was raised in Florida, but moved to Texas with her second husband in 1974. She is the mother of three, grandmother of four, and great-grandmother of two. She is currently married to her fourth husband, who has chosen to live in another state. Over the years, she has received little support in her child-reaaring efforts.

A Paralegal for 20 years, Texasmimi became disabled in the late 1990's, and has held various part-time jobs since. She considers herself well educated: she needs only about 20 credits to complete her bachelor's degree, has taken many continuing education courses and professional seminars, and reads extensively.

Obviously devoted to her large extended family, Texasmimi says she has a little sign out front that reads, "I childproofed my house, but they're still getting in." She raised her oldest grandchild and is currently raising her 15-year-old step-granddaughter. Her 31-year-old daughter has returned home to live, with her son, and all the generations are frequent visiotors. "I've enrolled a child in school every year for the last 37 years. For a long time, I got a new child to raise every seven to nine years." She's proud of her grandchildren's many achievements.

This busy woman has managed to fit in many other worthwhile activities as well: she's served as secretary of her county's Democratic Women's Club and organized Austin's first family support group for SIDS victims, and received an award as one of Texas' Most Worthy Citizens for her work. She formed Grandparents United--Texas as a support organization for Texas grandparents raising their grandchildren.

As a self-described part of the "struggling parent" group since her twenties, Texasmimi wonders what comes next, especially when her granddaughter goes off to college in two years. She knows very few people over 50. She asks, "How do I get myself ready for whatever life has to offer?" Here is a woman who has coped with life's responsibilities admirably for a long time, and will no doubt continue to do so.

Please share your experiences and advice with this fascinating Baby Boomer. What does come after so many years loyally devoted to a family that never seems to "leave the nest" entirely?