• Laura Wallace, 42, grew up in a family of 10.
• She says she and her siblings all had their own responsibilities around the house.
• She also believes there are pros and cons to having a big family.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Laura Wallace, a 42-year-old from Melbourne, Australia. It has been edited for length and clarity.

As one of eight kids, growing up in a bigger family came with plenty of positives, but there were some challenges, too. Now that I'm a mom myself, I think my upbringing has definitely influenced the way I parent.

My mom grew up in a family with three kids, and her siblings were considerably older than she was. She always felt like she was alone, which is why she wanted lots of children herself. I was her third child.

My siblings and I all had our responsibilities at home

Our household was always chaotic, but it was well-run. I grew up in Traralgon, in regional Victoria, Australia. During my earlier years, we lived in a three-bedroom house, but when my mom had twins (the fifth and sixth youngest kids in my family), we moved to a seven-bedroom house.

Mom did a lot of delegating. We all had jobs we were responsible for. We weren't allowed to go out after school because we had to come home and tidy. We always used to complain because she liked everything perfectly clean, like a model home. It was nothing like my house now. I'm still rebelling.

Being child number three, I had a fair amount of responsibility from an early age. I remember looking after my younger siblings and helping out from when I was about 7. We also started cooking dinner quite early. I was probably 11 when I started making dinner for the family.

Because we were a bigger family, getting around town was interesting. Mom and Dad drove us around in a Nissan Urvan, a light commercial van designed for fleet use. It was white and had a green and pink squiggle along the side, so you always knew we were coming.

Once, I remember when Dad showed up at high school in a new blue van with blacked-out windows. We were out the front of the school and heard this "brrrrrrrrr" noise. It was Dad, and he was waving. He'd gone to beep for us, and the horn got stuck. We were so embarrassed we pretended like we didn't know him and walked home. Meanwhile, he had to drive the whole way home with the horn on. It makes me laugh now just thinking about it.

There are pros and cons to having a bigger family

When you grow up in a bigger family, there is always someone around. That's kind of a positive and a negative, I guess. We never really got time to ourselves, but it was also nice in some ways. I still like that now — always having family around and having someone to talk to.

My siblings and I shared a lot of friends, too.

Financially, it was challenging for Mom and Dad. They both had to work. Dad was a boilermaker, and Mom had odd jobs. For a long time, she was a security guard. They didn't have money for extra-curricular activities like sports. I also had to start contributing financially to the household when I reached 15 and got a job.

Because we had to always help around the house, I often felt like we had to grow up early, especially the older kids. I still find that now, with my three youngest siblings, I'm like their mom in some ways. They'll come to me for advice.

Mom and Dad split after my youngest sibling was born. Then, in 2006, Mom died of lung cancer. I was only 23, and I had to organize the funeral with my siblings, which was hard. In some ways, though, it actually brought my siblings and me closer together. Prior to that, we never said, "I love you." It was always assumed, but we just didn't say it.

I want my kids to be independent, too

Now that I'm a mom myself, I have high expectations of my two girls. I was cooking dinner at the age of 11, and my youngest daughter does the same (though she's only cooking for four people rather than 10). They've been making their own school lunches since they were in second grade and putting away their own laundry. I haven't babied them. I want them to be independent.

I don't look back on my childhood and think of it as a horrible time. I enjoyed growing up with a big family and still love the memories we made together.

• When I was younger, I associated turning 40 with all sorts of negative things.
• I thought my 40s would be all about menopause, financial stress, and personal issues.
• As my 40th birthday nears, my perspective has completely changed, and I'm actually excited.

I used to think that 40 was old. My mom had me when she was 36, so some of my earliest memories of her were when she was in her 40s. She would talk about things like "hot flashes" and "heavy periods," and most days, she'd need an afternoon rest. From the outskirts, being a woman in her 40s didn't seem overly fun.

As I worked my way through my 30s, I started to dread the big 4-0. I imagined myself reaching that mid-life milestone and wanting to hide from it. It was a period I associated with menopause, mortgages, having to navigate marriage issues, ailing parents, and financial stresses.

But now, as I approach the milestone, I don't actually feel that way at all. I'll be turning 40 in May, and after years of dreading it, I've had a change of heart. I've realized that I'm quite happy with my life path at this point in time.

I loved my 20s and 30s, but I'm ready for what's next

Looking back, my 20s were an absolute blast. They were full of travel and adventures — and a few misadventures, too. But there was also a lot of uncertainty and second-guessing. I didn't really know who I was or where life would take me.

My 30s changed all of that. I married my partner of eight years, started a family, grew a business, and bought a family home. These were all major life goals for me that I ticked off, and that gave me a tremendous feeling of contentment and peace.

Now that my next decade is dawning, I feel so excited about the next chapter. Sure, there may be things to navigate, like menopause and marriage woes or unexpected health struggles, but there's a lot to look forward to, too.

I've learned so much about myself

At (almost) 40, I have more balance in my life than those earlier versions of myself. I work four days a week and try to keep it to school hours so that I can spend more time with my children and not miss those precious years when they actually want to be with me. I also acknowledge that while I love spending time with my family and friends, I need a lot of alone time to recharge.

I'm doing more of what feeds my soul and brings me joy, without feeling guilty about it. Sometimes, that means crawling into bed at 9 p.m. and getting a solid nine hours' sleep. Other times, it means neglecting the housework and going for a two-hour hike with my 9-year-old son or singing "U Can't Touch This" at the top of my lungs as I do the running man in our living room, much to my kids' horror.

I'm also healthier at almost 40 than I was at 20 or 30. I exercise more consistently, eat better, and focus on my mental and physical well-being. I've learned my limits with alcohol, and I know that I have to decide between a couple of glasses of wine and a good night's sleep at this point in my life. It kind of sucks, but I've made peace with that.

Above all else, I feel like I've accepted myself for who I am. When I was younger, I was so caught up in what other people thought of me that I changed my behavior and appearance to fit in. These days, I'm more comfortable in my own skin, wrinkles and all. I'm also better at speaking my truth, which, being a people-pleaser, has always been a challenge for me.

One of my best friends is 96 years old, and he's so young at heart. He sucks the marrow out of life and always has a project in the works, whether it's writing a book or flying in a Cessna (a small aircraft). He's taught me so much about aging and about life. Most importantly, he's shown me that your attitude makes all the difference to your perception of reality, and that age really is just a number.

So, here's to turning 40. I plan to make the most of the next chapter of my life. To grow and embrace new experiences and pursue my passions. At 40, I don't see myself as being over the hill. I'm standing smack bang on it and enjoying the views, baby!

• My husband and I decided to relocate from Melbourne to Bright, Australia, three years ago.
• We own our home in Melbourne and decided not to sell it.
• Renting it out to tenants and finding a rental in Bright offers us flexibility.

Three years ago, my family moved from Melbourne to Bright, Australia. We'd lived in Melbourne for eight years and were ready for a change.

One night in October 2021, my husband put an idea on the table. He asked if I wanted to turn over a new leaf and move to Bright, where his family was based. We'd already vacationed there plenty of times, and I'd enjoyed it, so I said, "Sure, let's do it." Soon, we were planning our escape from Melbourne.

We decided not to sell our home in Melbourne when we moved

We'd been living in the home we'd bought together for four years, and though we were ready to leave Melbourne, I had reservations about selling. We also didn't want to buy in Bright because I didn't know whether I'd enjoy living in such a small town. I suggested we spend a year there and then reassess after that.

The first major hurdle we faced was finding a place to live. Though small, Bright is a popular tourist destination known for its wineries, hiking, and gold rush history. It's surrounded by beautiful mountains and is a short drive from Mount Hotham, a popular ski resort. Rental properties in the area are in short supply, but we were lucky enough to find accommodation at a friend's place while they were overseas for the year. We relocated at the end of January 2022 and rented out our home in Melbourne to tenants.

Our family quickly fell in love with the slower pace of country life. Later that year, in August, we welcomed our third child to the family.

Renting in Bright means we have more flexibility

As a growing family, we needed our own space, so in January 2023, we moved into a simple three-bedroom house conveniently close to town. Then, last October, we found our current rental home — a beautiful three-bedroom, two-bath property in a green, family-friendly part of Bright.

My favorite thing about the property is the big back garden. Birds love it, too, and pink galahs and crimson rosellas visit every day. There are three small vegetable plots where we grow tomatoes and strawberries, and my children spend hours outdoors in nature.

Financially, renting where we want to live and owning a property elsewhere has been a good decision. Our rent each week is less than our weekly mortgage repayment (which is pretty much covered by the tenants), so we are essentially saving money.

Renting also means we can move freely and live where we can't afford to buy. Bright is much more expensive than Melbourne, and the median house price is over $1 million. We get to live here while paying off our mortgage in Melbourne, and that's a big drawcard.

We might not rent forever, but it works for us for now

Sometimes, my husband feels guilty about the kids not having a "proper" family home. They've never owned a pet because it's easier to get a rental property without one, and that makes me sad. Our son is 9 years old, and he's lived in six different houses, which is not ideal. But I try to think of it as a positive — it certainly keeps life interesting!

While my husband and I don't want to rent forever, for the time being, it's working well for us. When the market in Melbourne picks up, we may decide to sell our property there and buy one in Bright. But renting has definitely given us options.

• Frank Noble, 86, retired from his demanding job in forestry in Australia when he was in his 50s.
• He said having hobbies, taking on part-time work, and traveling have helped him feel fulfilled.
• He also attributes his successful early retirement to having financial stability and no mortgage.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Frank Noble, an 86-year-old retiree and avid gardener from Porepunkah, Australia. It has been edited for length and clarity.

At 86, I've now been retired for roughly the same amount of time as I have worked. Looking back, I wouldn't change a thing, and I still would've chosen to retire early.

After high school, I decided to pursue a career in forestry. I went on to work for the Forest Commission and was in charge of assessing pine plantations in many parts of Victoria, Australia.

At the pinnacle of my career, I managed a team of up to 250 people, including four assistant regional managers who were exceptionally good at what they did.

I didn't find my job stressful, but it was complex. I loved interacting with staff, but I always thought I'd retire early because the job was extremely demanding.

Eventually, the Premier (what we call the heads of the state governments in Australia) offered incentives for senior staff to retire.

The year I turned 55 in 1993, I accepted one of its packages.

Hobbies, part-time work, and travel helped me adjust to a slower pace of living

At first, I felt a bit depressed after retiring due to the changed pace of life. Suddenly, I went from having a very busy work schedule each day and a lot of responsibility to a slower, quieter life with little stress.

So, during my first year of retirement, I spent a lot of time taking care of the 5-acre block of land I owned in Tyers, a rural town in central Gippsland.

I enjoyed the responsibility. That, plus feeling uncomfortable not having a job, led me to start a garden maintenance and lawn-mowing business.

Working part-time during retirement helped with my mental health, and I did so for about two years.

At the same time, my wife and I spent much of the winter going on road trips and camping in the Outback. We saw most parts of Australia and took several overseas trips to North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

Later, I sold my land in Tyers and relocated with my wife to be near her family in Porepunkah, a town in northeast Victoria. We were able to buy our new home in cash, so we wouldn't have a mortgage.

Once there, I started my own vegetable garden, which gave me a great sense of purpose. I began going to the gym a few times a week and leaned into hobbies like golf, where I challenged myself to get my handicap down.

My financial situation made retirement comfortable — but having interests has made it pleasant

One of the big reasons I was able to retire so early and successfully was through having adequate financial resources.

I was fortunate to have some private investments on top of my superannuation (pension) when I retired. Plus, we own our land.

Retiring with a mortgage could've made life terribly difficult. It also would've given us less freedom to travel and take on hobbies or choose whether to continue working.

There's no doubt that having adequate financial resources is important. However, so is having interests and hobbies to pursue.

At 86, I still walk 18 holes, chop all my own wood for the winter, and go to the gym three times a week. For me, gardening, golf and travel have been (and are still) an important part of my sense of fulfillment in retirement.

• Michael Townsend and his wife had their daughter Georgie when he was 44 and she was 40.
• He says there are both benefits and challenges to being an older dad.
• He has less energy than he used to, but the couple is more financially secure than they once were.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Michael Townsend, a 50-year-old dad from the Gold Coast, Australia. It has been edited for length and clarity.

I grew up in a big family with three sisters, and we were all very close. I always wanted to have kids of my own one day, but I only met my partner quite late in life, so it took a little longer than I'd expected.

In 2011, I met Asha on a dating app. After chatting for a few weeks, we met up and hit it off straight away.

I'll never forget our first date. We'd agreed to have coffee and I'd asked my sister's boyfriend to call at a certain time to give me an out if I needed to escape. But it turned out to be the best date I'd ever had.

When he rang, I said, "Sorry, mate, I won't be able to make it this afternoon. Chat to you later." Our date stretched from early afternoon to evening, and it ended with us walking along the beach at sunset and sharing our first kiss.

By that point, we were both in our 30s, and I think we knew we had found something special, so we didn't mess around. We saw each other all the time, and after three months of dating, we moved in together.

We talked about kids early in our relationship

The conversation about kids came up pretty quickly. I definitely wanted them, but Asha had accepted that kids might not be on the cards for her because she hadn't found the right person and she was getting older. After chatting about it, we decided to try and see what happened.

We tried naturally at first, but unfortunately, Asha had a few miscarriages. So, we decided to give IVF a shot. We did five rounds of IVF over the span of a couple of years. It was a long, grueling process, especially for Asha.

After three years of trying with no luck, we decided to make a change. We quit our jobs — I was working in a high-pressure engineering job and Asha had a pet-sitting business — bought a caravan and hit the road.

After two-and-a-half months on the road, we conceived a baby at Uluru caravan park in the Northern Territory in Australia. A few weeks later, we were at Mataranka Hot Springs when Asha stepped out of the caravan holding a pregnancy test with two lines confirming the news. We both wept because we'd been trying for so long.

Georgie was born when I was 44 and Asha was 40

Our daughter was born in April 2019. I was 44 at the time, and Asha was 40. We called her Georgina — Georgie for short.

To finally have a baby to love was incredible, but it definitely was an adjustment. I'd had 44 years of being selfish, after all. But pretty soon, you get to a point where you just love this little person so much that you'd do anything for them. Sacrificing an outing with friends, a trip to the gym, or a full night's sleep was totally worth it.

Almost six years later, Georgie is my little sidekick. We do so much together. We swim in our pool every day and play a lot of interactive games. I take her to school on an electric scooter, and she's learning how to ride her bike without training wheels. Asha loves doing arts and crafts with her at home. It's a fun age.

There are pros and cons to being older parents

The biggest challenge in terms of having a child later in life is probably trying to keep up with her. My energy levels are not what they once were, and I went back to engineering after traveling, which can be stressful and hard to do while looking after a 6-year-old girl.

But there are a lot of perks, too. Being older parents, Asha and I are pretty financially secure, which is a relief. Georgie keeps us active, too. She brings energy to the house and to our relationship.

As an older parent, I think you're happier to make sacrifices because you've already experienced so much in life. I've always loved international travel, for example, but I don't feel like I need to do that right now.

Overall, I'd say my favorite thing about being a dad is spending time with Georgie and watching her grow. I like the hugs and kisses and protecting her, and I also enjoy seeing her take on some of my mannerisms. The other day, I randomly said, "Boomshakalaka," and she spent the rest of the day walking around saying the same word. It was hilarious.

My message to other parents considering having a child later in life is to go for it. I think we did the right thing in waiting, but we were both ready for it when it eventually happened. My only regret about leaving it late is that, while we feel blessed to have one, I would have loved to have two kids so that Georgie could have a sibling.

• My mom put money into an investment property, and later gave me the original money and the profit.
• At 23, I used it as a deposit for a home. I loved getting a head start in the real estate market.
• I want my kids to get the same financial head start I did.

I bought my first property in 2009, when I was 23. It was a cute two-bedroom townhouse in a complex on the Gold Coast, in Australia, where I'm originally from.

My circumstances were a bit unusual. As a little girl, I'd almost died after being prescribed a medication that caused me to have a seizure and stop breathing. My mom took legal action and won $20,000 in damages, which she put toward buying an investment property (co-owned by my parents and myself).

When I turned 23, she paid me the original $20,000 plus the profit, which worked out to $40,000 in total. I was able to use it as the deposit for a home. I was the first of my friends to enter the real estate market, and it felt incredible to get a foot up on the property ladder so young.

I had to save to cover the costs, but I still traveled

At the time, I was working full-time as a newspaper journalist, but it wasn't paid very well. I think the most important lesson I learned from buying a property at an early age was how to save and budget, even on a meager income.

I knew that I had to cover the mortgage, water, council rates, electricity, and insurance on the property, so I made sure I set enough money aside each week to do all of those things before I splurged on nice-to-haves. When my friends were buying designer dresses or flashy cars, I told myself that I was working toward building something more important for my future.

Having said that, I still did what I wanted to do, for the most part. When I was 25, I rented out the property and took off overseas for three years. I spent part of that time living in Canada and London, and traveled around North and South America, then Europe and Africa.

Again, my friends were gobsmacked that I could afford to live and travel abroad and still own a property back home in Australia, but I'd learned good savings habits. I worked three hospitality jobs at times in order to reach my earning goals, avoided eating out, and shopped secondhand for clothes. While living in Canada, my partner (who eventually became my husband) and I moved in together, and that helped cut costs.

I'll admit that it wasn't all smooth sailing — there were definitely stressful moments. Once, when I was just about to leave my base in Canada and embark on a three-month trip around South America, my real estate agent emailed to say my tenant had trashed the property.

He had burned cigarette holes in the furniture and caused damage to the walls. I was so stressed about finding new tenants, but the tenant's deposit paid for a lot of the damage, and I had a savings buffer that covered the mortgage repayments while the property was unoccupied. It all worked out in the end.

My partner and I found a fixer-upper for our family, and I sold my first house

When my partner and I eventually returned to Australia, got married, and had our son, we wanted to buy a family home. In 2017, we found a great fixer-upper with a lot of potential in an up-and-coming part of Melbourne called Seaford. The property was about a mile and a half from the beach and close to parks and amenities. It was perfect.

I ended up selling my Gold Coast townhouse, which had appreciated in value by that point, and put the money toward the deposit for our family home. Having that head-start in the property market proved to be an invaluable stepping stone for us, and I am so grateful to my parents, particularly my Mom, for making it happen.

I want my kids to have the same opportunities I did

Now that I have three kids, I'm trying to ensure they have the best chance possible of getting started in real estate from a young age. I recently read a report looking at the disparity of property investment between men and women in Australia, and it made me even more resolute to give my daughters (and, of course, our son) the same head-start that I had.

Two years ago, my kids inherited some money from a close family friend. The money is in a high-interest savings account, and my husband and I contribute to it monthly via direct debit.

I'm also speaking to a financial planner about the best way to invest my kids' inheritance on their behalf and I've explained these options to my older children. My 9-year-old son wants to build a share portfolio, while the 6-year-old thinks her nest egg could finance an impressive Barbie collection. She still doesn't quite understand the concept of saving or wealth-building, but we'll get there.

• I'm a frequent traveler who's taken hundreds of flights in my life, but one stands out as the best.
• I saw Mount Everest during my 50-minute flight from Kathmandu, Nepal, to Paro, Bhutan.
• The snowcapped Himalayas took my breath away — I've never seen such an incredible view in my life.

I've been lucky enough to travel to more than 50 countries in my lifetime and have taken hundreds of flights around the globe.

Some flights are definitely more memorable than others, but by far, the most spectacular one I've ever been on was from Kathmandu, Nepal, to Paro, Bhutan, in May.

It wasn't the amount of legroom or the gourmet meals on the menu that blew my mind — it was the scenery out the window.

Specifically, passengers on board that particular route have the chance to see one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Mount Everest, in all of its glory from above.

At first, I was a bit nervous about our flight to Bhutan

Last year, I finally convinced a few of my girlfriends to join me on an eight-night trip to Bhutan, a small country in the Himalayas between China and India.

To get to Bhutan, we flew with the national air carrier Drukair, also called Royal Bhutan Airlines, from Nepal's capital to Paro.

The flight was less than an hour, but I was nervous as we boarded.

Paro International Airport is nestled in Paro Valley, surrounded by the Himalayan Mountains.

The topography makes the area notoriously tricky for even skilled pilots to navigate, and very few are even qualified to take off or land at the small airport.

Because of these factors, operations at Paro International Airport are limited to daylight hours and when there is clear visibility. Luckily, the weather seemed perfectly clear on the day we took off.

As we flew, I saw nothing but clear skies and mountain views

Shortly into the 50-minute flight, the airline hostesses served us refreshments and I felt myself relax. Soon, the captain told passengers to look out the windows on the left side of the plane.

There, towering above the clouds, were the most stunning views of the snowcapped Himalayas, with Mount Everest standing tall above the rest.

The beautiful view literally made me squeal like a child who had just discovered candy for the first time. Seeing the world's tallest mountain from above felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

I recommend this flight, even if just for the views

When we touched down at Paro International Airport shortly after, I was still buzzing. Fortunately, our plane's landing proved to be smooth and uneventful.

My friends and I also had an amazing time in Bhutan. We got to visit awe-inspiring religious sites, watch epic archery shows, embark on thrilling outdoor hikes, and much more.

If you're ever visiting Nepal, I'd highly recommend taking a detour to Bhutan, even if it's just to experience the views from this flight.

For as long as I live, I'll never forget the pure magic of seeing such famous mountains from above.

• A few years ago, my husband started working away from home for three days each month.
• At first, I was nervous about solo-parenting our three kids.
• However, they behaved even better while he was gone, and I loved the time alone.

Three years ago, our family of five moved from Melbourne, Australia, to the small town of Bright in regional Victoria. It was a massive upheaval, and there were a lot of adjustments. For one, my husband had to start working away from home for three days once a month.

Every four weeks, he'd drive four hours to Melbourne to take care of business at his original remedial massage and myotherapy clinic. The rest of the time, he'd treat patients at his clinic in Bright.

I wasn't sure how I'd deal with parenting by myself

Initially, I was anxious about how I'd cope with three kids alone while still working, paying bills, and taking care of everything at home. My husband and I had lived together for 15 years, since I was 25 and he was 29. That was pretty much all I knew.

I remember the first time he left, he asked my mother-in-law and sister-in-law to check in on me regularly. They'd pop by to help feed the kids or to do homework with them. I knew they were also secretly making sure that I wasn't feeling lonely or overwhelmed.

However, much to my surprise, I quickly realized that I loved those three nights alone. Suddenly, I could eat a boiled egg for dinner guilt-free without feeling any pressure to make a decent meal for my husband. I could watch a romantic comedy or whatever mind-numbing crap I wanted on Netflix or read my book with our bedroom light on until midnight. I could generally have some downtime from our relationship.

My kids behave well when he's gone

Whereas I'd worried that the kids would misbehave without my husband to lay down the law (he tends to be the disciplinarian), it was actually the opposite. They were better behaved when I was solo parenting. Funnily enough, my husband said it was the same for him when I'd occasionally go away for work. Maybe they knew that mom or dad was working hard to do all the jobs alone, so they took it easy on us.

On a personal level, being forced to solo-parent was good for me in many ways because I proved to myself that I could do it. It was the confidence boost I needed. It also turned out to be the best thing for our marriage.

Having space from one another sometimes is good for us

When we got married in 2015, my mom gave us some good advice: she said it's important to always have space in our togetherness, and I think she was right. She and my dad have always been free spirits — traveling by themselves at various points in their lives and having their own separate hobbies and interests.

For my husband and me, having space from one another does wonders for our relationship. I adore my husband and love spending time with him, but having those few nights to myself each month keeps things fresh and our relationship alive. Whenever he gets home on a Saturday morning, the kids and I miss him, and it's like the distance has made the heart grow fonder.

Recently, my husband started discussing what the next chapter of his work life may look like. One option is to sell his business in Melbourne and simplify things so that he only has one clinic in Bright. When he floated the idea, part of me thought, "But what about my boiled egg dinners and rom-com nights? Does that mean we'll be together 365 nights of the year again?" Of course, I'll support him with whatever he decides to do.

Some couples can spend every waking moment together and keep the spark alive. For us, a little bit of downtime from each other makes us appreciate what we do have even more. And there's nothing wrong with that.

• I lived in Banff, Canada, throughout my 20s. I loved the North American town and would move back.
• The people I encountered were so kind, and I loved experiencing the changing seasons.
• Banff had beautiful wildlife, and Canada had great cuisine that I still think about.

When I was 25, my friend asked me if I wanted to move to Banff, Canada. Without giving it much thought, I jumped at the opportunity.

Within a few months, I quit my job at a daily newspaper in Australia, sold most of my worldly possessions, and boarded an airplane for Calgary, Alberta.

My friend had lined us up with an agency that sorted out all the visa paperwork and organized a job in Banff, so it was a really smooth transition.

I'll never forget sitting on a bus driving from Calgary to Banff and seeing the Rockies for the first time. That was the start of one of the most magical periods of my life.

There's nothing like watching the changing seasons hit beaches and mountains

One of the many things about Canada I first fell in love with was its changing seasons.

Coming from the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, I had never really experienced proper seasons before. The Gold Coast typically averages about 300 days of sunny weather a year.

When we arrived in Banff, it was fall. There was something so striking about the golden and orange hues of the autumn leaves set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains.

As the days grew shorter and colder, Banff became a winter wonderland. The first time my friend and I saw snow falling, we ran outside, laughing and dancing in the snow like two little girls.

For someone who'd grown up on a beach in a sub-tropical climate, that was pretty special.

Experiencing holidays North American-style was a blast

As Halloween approached, I realized what else I'd been missing in Australia.

When I was a child, we would go trick-or-treating in our street, but none of the houses would be decorated and we'd be lucky to come across a neighbor who actually had candy to share.

In contrast, Halloween was incredible in Banff. There were costume parties, bonfires in the park, jack-o'-lanterns on people's lawns, and spooky decorations adorning most buildings.

For Thanksgiving, my Canadian friends made me a traditional Canadian pumpkin pie — something I'd never tried before. Throughout the season, locals showed me that North American hospitality I'd heard so much about.

Christmastime also felt extra special celebrated against a snowy backdrop, and we experienced some of the most festive decorations we'd ever seen in Canada.

I miss so much of the food

During my time in Canada, I also fell in love with the food.

I've traveled to many places but, in my opinion, North America seems to do food better than everybody else. The serving sizes tend to be big and the flavors strong and tasty.

One of my favorite things to eat in Canada was the local favorite, poutine — fries with cheese curds and brown gravy. It proved to be the perfect après-ski treat after a day of shredding the ski hills around Banff.

There are so many other foods I miss, such as Nanaimo bars (made with wafers, nuts, and coconut crumbs) and fluffy pancakes with pure Canadian maple syrup.

I'd also love to once again have fresh BeaverTails (a fried-dough treat) and the mighty Caesar (a zesty tomato-clam-juice cocktail with vodka).

I still think about Banff, and I'd move back in a heartbeat

After living in Canada, my partner and I moved to London and then to various parts of Australia, but we never felt that same magic.

We miss Banff's incredible mountains, beaches, forests, and wildlife that often took our breath away. Above all else, we miss the people in Canada the most. We met some of the kindest, most caring souls you could imagine there — people who instantly felt like family.

If I had my time again, I would've spent longer in Canada before moving on after a year and a half. Even now, more than a decade later, I'd say goodbye to our home in Bright, Australia, and move back to Banff in a second.

On all of my travels to more than 50 countries, I've never found another place quite like it, and it will always have a special place in my heart.

• Linda Townsend, 76, is a mom of four from the Gold Coast of Australia.
• She says that though many people dread the teenage years, that's when she was the happiest.
• She and her kids had plenty of fun together, and she enjoyed helping them in school.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Linda Townsend, a 76-year-old mom of four from the Gold Coast, Australia. It has been edited for length and clarity.

Many parents dread the adolescent years when children tend to become moody and aloof as they go through puberty. But for me, my kids' teenage years were the happiest of my life because we had so much fun together.

I became a mom at 23 and had three children — a girl, a boy, and another girl — all within five years before having my fourth child, another girl, at 36. When the three older ones were teenagers, we never had much money because my husband was out of work a lot, but we always had a good time.

My kids and I had plenty of fun together

We've had a lot of parties over the years. There were milestone birthdays to celebrate and dress-up parties galore. All of our kids' friends and their parents would come. We'd dance until the wee hours and have a ball.

I used to have a lot of spontaneous fun with my kids. Sometimes, I'd take my three girls to the local lake, and we'd skinny dip. At certain times of the year, there was this bioluminescence in the water. If we shook our hands, all of these green luminous stars would shimmer and glow. We'd hold hands in the moonlight and float under the stars, talking about our plans and dreams. It was magical.

By the time my youngest became a teenager, we were in a better place financially, and I did a lot of traveling with my daughters. When the youngest was 14 and my older girls were 22 and 26, we roadtripped around Mexico and California while my husband and son stayed home. The following year, when my youngest was 15 and my second youngest was 23, the three of us traveled through the Middle East together. I loved the fun and the adventures we shared.

I helped them through school and hard times, too

Although my kids were my best friends, I also knew they needed guidance and discipline. As a parent, you're there to teach them boundaries and manners. I loved helping them choose school subjects and getting them on the right academic path for their university degrees.

Being able to learn with them and being involved in their education was a highlight for me. When my youngest did French immersion, I taught her French grammar (which my mother taught me). I would sit in the bedroom with her, and we would translate her homework into English and then back into French. I believe that parent involvement is critical to a child's advancement.

If my kids were ever moody, I understood that it was mostly hormonal and just tried to give them privacy. They'd lock themselves away in their rooms and listen to their music. When the time was right, I'd talk to them, listen to their problems and fears, and do what I could to make sure they were happy. If they confessed to doing something wrong at school, I'd guide them to do the right thing.

It was hard when they moved out, but we're still connected

When the four kids left, I struggled with empty nest syndrome, especially when my youngest moved from where we live in Australia to Canada in 2010. I was heartbroken, but you have to let them fly. My kids were such a big part of my life. They were my reason for existence, and for a long time, I struggled to find purpose in other things, but eventually, I did.

These days, I have seven grandkids, and I enjoy spending time with them, as well as with my friends and my husband. I still need that contact with my children. You never let go of them in your heart. The love is always there. The connection between the mother and child is very strong, and for me, my kids were my best friends and the light of my life.

• Shawn Robertson's parents lived with him, his wife, and their kids for many years.
• He says there were plenty of benefits to living together, though there were challenges, too.
• There wasn't much privacy, but his parents got to spend time with their grandkids.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Shawn Robertson, a 55-year-old from Tsawwassen, British Columbia. It has been edited for length and clarity.

When my folks were still alive, they lived with us for many years. Multigenerational living had many perks, but it also had challenges.

I grew up in Tsawwassen, British Columbia, and lived in the same house my entire life. Around the time my wife Cori and I got engaged, both of my parents started experiencing health issues.

They told us they would have to sell the house and move into a graduated care facility for older people, but Cori and I agreed they should stay in the house for as long as possible. We believed it would be better for them health-wise. We also knew that if we didn't stay close to them when we started having kids, they wouldn't see their grandkids very often, as we'd likely end up settling in another part of Canada.

So right after we got married, Cori moved in, too, and we started taking care of Mom and Dad. Our house is a double-story building with five bedrooms and a den, so there was plenty of room for all of us.

There were plenty of benefits to living with my mom and dad

Mom and Dad shifted from the upstairs to the downstairs. It was easier for them not to have to walk up and down the stairs to get to their bedroom. Over the years, multigenerational living has had many positive aspects. When we welcomed our three sons and daughter, it meant that they spent plenty of quality time with our kids.

My folks were homebodies, so they didn't mind watching our kids or our pets. If we were running down to our trailer at Mt Baker and we asked them to watch the dogs for the weekend, it was never a problem. If we wanted to go out for dinner and leave the four kids with them, they never once said no.

I know some grandparents feel like they're taken advantage of in that regard, but my parents never felt that way. Their philosophy was the more time they had with the grandkids, the better. The kids kept them feeling young for as long as possible. Another benefit was that my parents never felt lonely.

My dad died in 2004 when the kids were still quite young, but my mom was a big part of their childhood. She was always present, and being right downstairs, my kids could spend time with her whenever they wanted. I think some of their fondest memories were of watching dog shows together and having tea with her, or playing outside while she watched on.

Some aspects of our situation were challenging, too

There were some challenges to multigenerational living, too. My parents never meddled in our affairs, but they did know all of our business as the house is very open. On occasion, they would let their opinions be known, even when they weren't asked for.

As the kids grew older and became teenagers, the lack of boundaries became more challenging. Sometimes, they'd be rushing in the morning to get to school, and Mom would ask them for help with something. They wouldn't want to tell her no, and it usually wasn't anything too big, but when you're on a time crunch and you're a teenager, everything seems like a hassle.

There were also budgetary impacts associated with multi-generational living. We bought food for my parents and never asked to be reimbursed. I also did renovations on the house. I figure we probably incurred about $75,000 in personal debt over the years.

In 2012, Mom slid off the side of the bed and was taken to hospital. She was diagnosed with double pneumonia and wasn't supposed to last the night, but ended up living for another three years.

That was the beginning of the end, though, and her health continued to decline. When we could no longer care for her, we decided it would be best for her to live in a care facility, where she lived for three years before she died in 2015.

Cori and I have always said given our time again, we'd make the same choice to live with my mom and dad. The kids had a better relationship with my folks as a result, and the benefits definitely outweighed the negatives in my mind.

But my advice to others who want to try multigenerational living is to have separate accommodation on-site, like a granny flat, with its own entrance. The lack of privacy can strain even the best of families. I'd also recommend both parties set some ground rooms from the outset.

• After visiting over 50 countries around the world, a few places truly stood out.
• Some of my favorite major cities include New York City and London.
• I loved experiencing otherworldly beauty in Salar De Uyuni in Bolivia and Machu Picchu in Peru.

Ever since I was a little girl, I've had a bucket list of places I've wanted to visit. I've always worked hard and saved hard in order to travel to the places that captured my attention.

Although travel opinions are subjective, and the places that I find bucket list-worthy might not ring true for others, there are certain locations I haven't been able to stop thinking about.

Whether it's the cultural richness they offer or the natural beauty they display, certain destinations just have that wow factor.

Here are seven incredible places around the world that I think everyone should visit at least once.

Visiting Salar De Uyuni in Bolivia is a unique experience.

Located in southwest Bolivia, Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat. The 10,582-square-kilometer (4,086-square-mile) area is covered in white salt, rock formations, and islands studded with cacti.

The rainy season from roughly December to April is a popular time to visit, as the rainwater creates a mirror effect on the salt flat.

However, during the dry season from May to November, visitors can see crystalized salt patterns and drive across the white, otherworldly landscape to places that aren't accessible during the rainy season.

We visited in March and experienced the mirror effect, which was breathtaking. If you enjoy photography, you'll love letting your imagination run wild, taking crazy perspective photos set against the endless horizon.

Machu Picchu, Peru, is breathtaking in person.

In my opinion, Machu Picchu should be on everyone's bucket list. The 15th-century archaeological site can be accessed by train, bus, or a multi-day trek along the Inca Trail.

My husband and I took a four-day tour that included hiking, mountain biking, and zip lining. On the final morning, we woke up early and hiked from Aguas Calientes up to the ruins, which took about two hours.

As the fog cleared, we finally understood what all the hype was about. In the end, the view was worth the height-induced anxiety.

There's nothing quite like seeing New York City for the first time.

When we lived in Canada, my husband and I took an overnight bus from Montreal to New York City and spent four days enjoying the highlights.

We went ice skating in Central Park, checked out the Statue of Liberty, and saw the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting. It was magical.

There's so much to do in London.

With its rich history and abundance of activities, London is undoubtedly a city that's worth visiting.

For history buffs, I recommend checking out Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey.

Artsy types can enjoy museums like The National Gallery of Art and Tate Modern museums, and for nature lovers, you can't beat Hyde Park or Hampstead Heath on a warm, sunny day.

Cappadocia, Turkey, is otherworldly.

Located in central Turkey, Cappadocia is a place that has to be seen to be believed.

This unique district is known for its otherworldly landscape, comprised of cone-shaped rock formations known as "fairy chimneys." Over millions of years, erosion carved these surreal spires out of soft volcanic rock.

You can stay in a fairy chimney or cave hotel by night, and by day, take a scenic hot-air balloon ride to appreciate the landscape from above.

Italy's Amalfi Coast is a picture-perfect destination.

Italy's Amalfi Coast is undoubtedly one of the most stunning, picture-perfect coastlines I've ever seen.

The highlight for me was Positano, which has pastel-colored buildings lining the hillside by the sea.

The Pyramids of Giza are truly incredible.

My mom took me to Egypt when I was 15 years old, and I remember being blown away by the Pyramids of Giza. I couldn't believe these incredible structures were built thousands of years ago.

During the day, we rode camels around the pyramids, and at night, we watched the Sound and Light Show to learn about ancient Egypt and the construction of the pyramids.

• Philip Townsend, 80, is from the Gold Coast of Australia and has a lifelong group of friends.
• He recently reconnected with those friends for his birthday.
• They reminisced about their friendships, and he says their connections have enriched his life.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Philip Townsend, an 80-year-old from the Gold Coast, Australia. It has been edited for length and clarity.

When I was in my 20s, I made a group of friends while living overseas. They proved to be lifelong mates, and the memories we share mean so much to me.

I grew up in Tasmania, Australia, and at 21, I boarded a ship called the P&O Oriana alone, headed for Canada. That was the start of an amazing adventure.

On the ship, I met a guy named Kevin. He was two years older than me and really amiable. He was a gentle giant, and I found him easy to talk to. We'd go down to the lounge area and have drinks until 3 a.m.

Martin, who also became one of my best friends, was traveling on the ship, too. He was a rogue and spent most of the journey playing cards with the crew.

As the ship pulled into Vancouver, snow covered the mountains, and I was so excited to be there. Martin and I were drinking together on deck chairs, and we ended up getting off the ship together.

We ended up living together

We found a temporary place to stay in a hotel near the wharf, then ended up getting an apartment in a five-story high-rise in the west end. We didn't particularly like the place, but it was a roof over our heads.

One night, we went to a houseboat party, and I met a guy who said he was moving out of a property on Prospect Drive in North Vancouver. It proved to be one of those serendipitous moments in life. I proposed the idea to Martin, and he said, "Let's do it." Kevin ended up moving in with us, too.

It was a double-story weatherboard house on a nine-acre property with a little creek running through it. You'd go over the bridge and then up to the pool house. There was a swimming pool with diving boards and a tennis court. That's where we had all the parties. It was a great setup.

Soon after, I got a job with a car dealership, and one night, this guy walked in. He had an Australian accent and sideburns and was a colorful character. His name was David. He said he'd arrived a few months earlier, so I invited him to a party in North Vancouver, and he fell in love with the place. He moved in immediately.

That's how Martin, Kevin, David, and I met and started living together. It was the happiest time of my life. I was young, free, and felt bulletproof.

Our group started traveling together, and the adventures continued

In 1970, after three years in Canada, we headed to South America on the adventure of a lifetime. Kevin didn't go, but Martin, David, me, and another Canadian we knew spent almost a year traveling together in a van.

After South America, we all went back to Canada for a while and then moved on to Europe. Dave and I bought an Austin A60 and called it "The Black Beast," and we road-tripped around Europe with Kevin and another Australian.

At Oktoberfest, another traveler invited us to Calpe (now Calp) — a small fishing village on Spain's Mediterranean coast. It was a magical time of parties and picnics, day trips to nearby towns, and wine-tasting excursions to local vineyards. While there, I met my future wife.

On the day we were leaving Calpe, one of our American buddies took a photo of Kevin, myself, and David. More than five decades later, we recreated that photo on my 80th birthday.

After the European adventure, Kevin and David headed back to Australia, while I went to London and eventually followed the young woman I'd met in Calpe to what is now called Zimbabwe, where she was from.

As life continued we saw each other less, but we remained close

After we were married and had children, I didn't see my mates from Canada for some years. Once you have a family, things change. We all settled in different parts of Australia, which also makes it hard.

The first major get-together of the Prospect Drive group was in 2004. I flew to Canada, and we skied, enjoyed après skis, and chewed the fat. In 2018, Martin was unwell, and David, Kevin and I flew to Busselton in Western Australia for a week to lift his spirits.

Then, for my 80th birthday in January 2025, Kevin, David, and Martin all flew to the Gold Coast to celebrate with me. I felt really humbled to have them there. There was a lot of reminiscing, and it was always the same old yarns, but we never seemed to get sick of it because it was a revival of a time that meant a lot to us.

Having lifelong friendships has absolutely enriched my life. There's a deep connection to the past and so many shared memories. Those mates are more than just friends — they're family.

• Shawn Robertson, 55, is a recent retiree who worked in the postal service in Canada.
• Robertson says it was hard to get used to retirement at first, but he loves the slower pace of life.
• Since retiring, he's traveled more often with his wife and reconnected with old friends.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Shawn Robertson, a 55-year-old retiree from Tsawwassen, Canada. It has been edited for length and clarity.

Last year, I retired at 55 from my job as a postman after 34 and a half years. I know I'm still in the honeymoon phase, but I'm really enjoying retirement so far.

In March 1990, when I was 20 years old, I decided to join the postal service. My dad had retired by then, but he had previously worked in upper management with Canada Post. I've always thought more long-term, so I wanted something with a good pension and benefits.

I loved my job with the postal service

The official title of my position was "letter carrier." On a typical day, I'd start at 7 a.m., then have about one-and-a-half to two hours to process and organize the mail. After that, I'd leave the station and deliver mail for about six hours before coming back.

It was a pretty simple job, it was just physically demanding. After you finished your delivery, you'd be able to go home, and sometime, I'd finish quite early in the day.

I think the best thing about being a postman was that you're out in nature all day exercising. Every day, I would walk around 15,000 steps just at work, often somewhere between six to seven and a half miles.

I also liked the social aspect of it. I got to know a lot of my customers, and I'd call a lot of them friends. When you think about it, I got a decent wage to exercise and socialize. It was a really good gig.

I had so much fun being a postman, but the last six months were the hardest. I saw the business model changing, and I decided it was time to move on. I'd also paid as much into my pension as I could, so it made sense financially to retire.

May 31 was my last delivery day, and when I came in, there were a few gifts and cards waiting for me. My colleagues had a small goodbye party with a cake and a couple of speeches. But I wasn't officially retired until September 19.

It took time to get used to being retired, but I'm glad I did it

Initially, it felt weird to be retired. It was actually a little on the scary side, because though my wife makes decent money, I'd been the main breadwinner for many years. I had to adjust to getting my pension once a month, whereas when I was working, I was paid every two weeks. Adjusting to the difference in timing took time to get used to.

But now that it's been several months, my apprehensions are over, and I've relaxed into it.

We've traveled a lot in just the few months since I retired, though we likely won't keep up this pace, and have been to Germany, St Louis, Nashville, and Australia already. In between the travel, I've been having lunches with other retired friends from work who I haven't seen for a while. It's been great.

I have zero stress in my life, and what's really nice is that I can see my granddaughter whenever I want. Our kids live close by, and there's a lot of joy in knowing that within a few minutes, you can be at each other's house.

I haven't really gotten into hobbies yet because I haven't had time, but I think the next phase will be about hiking in nature, growing stuff in the garden, and working the land. I also have two side gigs doing landscaping and property maintenance from time to time. It's a really good stage of life to be entering.

I don't have any regrets about retiring early. I've put in my time. I think sometimes you have to know when to go. Going into retirement, you also need to find something you enjoy doing, whether it's a sport joining a walking club, tinkering in the shed, or having a project to keep you busy. I never see myself as bored. I can always find something to do.

• When I was younger, I was scared of being alone.
• I felt like being alone meant I was lonely and that there was something wrong with me.
• As I've gotten older, I've grown to value my alone time and treasure my own company.

It recently dawned on me that the older I get, the more I like spending time alone. I regularly go on solo hikes or movie dates, and I cherish the time by myself.

When I was younger, I had a very different perception of running solo. I used to think that being alone equated to being lonely, but I was so wrong.

In high school, I struggled with friendships and would sometimes feel like a failure or a freak because I only ever really had one close friend. Sure, there were kids who were friendly to me, but I never felt a deep connection with them. As a result, I often felt socially isolated.

When my best friend was off school for the day sick or we were fighting, I remember hiding in the library at lunchtime, feeling lonely and adrift in the world. Even after I'd made a great group of girlfriends at university, if ever I had to eat by myself in the college hall or walk to class by myself, I'd feel self-conscious and like an oddity.

My feelings about being alone changed as I got older

I'm not entirely sure why, but as I got older, I found it easier and easier to make friends. Traveling in my 20s certainly helped — it forced me to get outside my comfort zone and meet people from all walks of life. Having children also helped me attract like-minded people into my life — other women who were trying to navigate parenthood.

Nowadays, at 39, I'm lucky enough to have a really solid network of friends, to the point where I sometimes feel guilty about not being able to give them enough of my time and energy. Throw in three kids, a husband, a busy business, and aging parents, and life frequently feels like a giant balancing act.

Sometimes, I feel myself yearning for that alone time I used to dread so much. I get tired of all the noise and just want a little quiet.

I've started embracing the beauty of being alone, even in a public setting, without fear of judgment from others or feeling uncomfortable. When I have a few delicious hours to myself, I take myself out to breakfast and sit there blissfully silent at the table, reading a newspaper at leisure. On other occasions, if I feel like my energy is depleted, I'll walk into the hills that surround our small alpine town, enjoying the sounds of the birds above and the valley below.

I've grown to love solitude and silence

I've finally realized that silence is a gift and that my favorite company is actually myself. While I love my family and my friends dearly, I really need my own space to recharge and feel refreshed, and there's nothing wrong with that. Solitude is healthy, and it's fun.

Recently, I went to the movies to see a beautiful documentary. It was about a man who traveled along the West Coast of America on a motorbike and the people he met along the way. The ending was very poignant, and I found myself crying as the credits rolled up.

Next to me, a young woman sat sobbing in her chair. I'd noticed she'd come in by herself, like me, and was as equally touched by the film as I was. There was something about her that reminded me of an earlier version of myself.

Without thinking, I reached out my hand and patted hers, and slowly, she stopped crying. "It was a great film, wasn't it?" I said. She smiled and nodded, and then I left.

For me, being alone gives me time to process my thoughts, tap into my creativity, and grow. It helps me to regulate my emotions and to feel at peace. And sometimes, solitude can make me more open to spontaneous moments of connection with others, just like that one in the cinema.

• Shawn Robertson, 55, has lived in the same home in Tsawwassen, British Columbia, his whole life.
• He has experienced major milestones, both good and bad, while living in that house.
• While he says staying put has its perks, he also feels he might be ready for a change.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Shawn Robertson, a 55-year-old from Tsawwassen, British Columbia. It has been edited for length and clarity.

I'm 55, and I've lived in one house my entire life. I've never met anyone else who has lived in the same house for as long as I have.

My parents originally lived in Richmond in British Columbia, Canada, and when they started thinking about adopting a child — me — they decided they needed to be in a more rural setting.

The little town of Tsawwassen fit that bill. It had a good school system and was vibrant and up-and-coming. So, in late 1968, they purchased the land and built the house. It was finished in the summer of 1969.

The house is a very German-looking style. Dad was Scottish, but I think he just liked the look of it. There's brick on the bottom frontage and stucco with what used to be dark brown trim. It's a double-story building with five bedrooms and a den.

I loved growing up in this house

After adopting me, my parents brought me home from the hospital at the end of September 1969. The house would have been big for us — back then, it was just two adults and a tiny baby. My older brother John was 20 and had already left home.

I was more or less an only child, so I had free rein of the house. It's shaped like a U with this big porch in the center, and playing out there was every kid's dream. I remember whipping around on all sorts of different toys and bikes. There was a fairly big backyard, too, so there was always room to run around.

Around the time my wife Cori and I got engaged, both of my parents' health tanked. We decided we would live with them so that they could remain in the home they'd built for as long as possible.

I experienced many milestones in that house, both good and bad. When I married Cori, the house was the drop-off point for my groomsmen. We welcomed our four children while living there and navigated the passing of my dad in 2004 and my mom in 2015. Since then, we've had engagement parties for two of our kids at the house and hosted a baby shower for our granddaughter.

I know all of the house's quirks, and there's a deep familiarity there. We have friends who are still amazed when they find out we're still in the same place. Life doesn't usually allow that anymore, whether it's jobs, kids, or economic upheaval. I feel very fortunate for it.

I also consider a lot of the neighbors to be like family. Many of them have lived around us for easily 30 years or more. It's only recently that a few new ones are coming in, while the old ones are downsizing.

We've considered moving before, and still do sometimes

There have been times over the years when we would have moved if we could have. However, my wife and I felt that it was very important for our kids to have stability during their teenage years.

I retired in September 2024. I don't see our kids taking over the house because they are going in different directions. There's no specific set date to sell the house; however, we are actively looking at other places to live — possibly the Okanagan region of British Columbia.

If I'm being honest, I think it would make it easier on me if a developer demolished the house. It's always going to feel like our home, and if I drive by and see that it's changed, I think I'd feel saddened. On the other hand, if the house was gone entirely, I'd drive by and think, "We had a really nice life here." It would just be different.

We have so many memories in the house and such deep roots there. But the memories do come with you through photos and stories. The kids have fond memories of it, and that's all I need.

• Georgie Noble is a 51-year-old from Porepunkah, Australia.
• Her granddaughter was born when she was just 41, and she loves that she's a young grandmother.
• She has a lot of energy to keep up and feels being young helps her relate better.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Georgie Noble, a 51-year-old grandma from Porepunkah, Australia. It has been edited for length and clarity.

I had my daughter Alisha when I was 16 years old. I actually didn't find out I was pregnant until I was four months along.

There's no doubt that becoming a mother at such a young age was challenging, but Alisha was a pretty easy kid, so I was so lucky in that regard. When Alisha turned 16, and I was 32, I had my second child, Tai.

One of the perks of being a young mom meant that when my daughter had a child of her own, I was also a young grandma. I'll never forget when Alisha broke the news to me that she was pregnant. I was 41 at the time.

Alisha has always referred to my mom as "GB," which stands for "Granny Bett." Mom became a grandma at 46 and never wanted to be called "Nana," so we came up with the nickname for her. One day, Alisha called me out of the blue and said, "Mom, guess what? You're going to be a GG — Granny Georgie."

I was so excited. Being a grandparent is wonderful because you get to enjoy another little one, but you can also hand them back at the end of the day.

I spent time with my daughter after she gave birth

As Alisha's due date approached in December of 2014, I flew from my home in Porepunkah, Australia, to Brisbane, where Alisha lives, so that I could be there for the birth. When she went into labor, I was with her at the start supporting her through the contractions.

It's difficult to watch your daughter in labor because you remember what it was like yourself. You also know which stages of labor they're at, and when they're not even close to the final stage, and they're in pain, it can be hard to watch. I didn't want to give her false hope.

Alisha ended up having a C-section due to complications. My beautiful granddaughter was born at 12.22 a.m. on December 12. She certainly liked the number '12'.

The first time I saw her, I was overwhelmed with love. She was such a sweet little baby. Alisha called her Lacey, and though it took a while for the name to catch on, I soon realized that it suited her to a tee.

I stayed with Alisha and her partner for about six weeks, cooking and caring for the baby. After the C-section, Alisha couldn't drive, and she really needed my support. She also felt lightheaded in the bathroom one day, and I was glad I was there with her.

I bonded with my granddaughter immediately

It was a lovely bonding time with my granddaughter. That newborn phase is so special, when they're all new and smell gorgeous. It felt different from when I had my own children — I didn't have the pain to deal with, for starters. When the time came for me to fly back home, I was sad to say goodbye.

As Lacey grew, she and I became very close. She was so much fun. As a grandma, I wanted to enjoy her; to eat her up and do as much as I could with her.

When she'd come down to visit me, we'd make playdough and do crafts together. We'd FaceTime on the phone and play games together on Snapchat. Being a younger grandma meant that I was reasonably tech-savvy, so I could communicate with Lacey in ways that she understood and enjoyed.

You can relate to your grandkids a bit more when you're a younger grandparent. You're closer in age to that generation, which means you're a bit more aware of what's going on in their world.

You also have a lot more energy to keep up with your grandkids. Now that Lacey is 10 and I'm 51, I can happily swim in the pool with her for hours, pick blackberries together, then take the dog for a walk, and still have energy to spare at the end of the day.

Nowadays, Lacey's more of a mommy's girl. She and Alisha are super close. She'll still have a chat with me on the phone, but then she's off. I don't get to see her that often because we live in different states, but when I do see her, I love our time together. She's the light of my life.

• What was meant to be an epic vacation in Bali with 18 family members turned into a bickering mess.
• We should have known it wouldn't work when it took six months to agree on accommodations.
• I'll keep the international vacations to my family of five from now on.

The idea of an epic overseas family holiday was nice in theory but a nightmare in reality, and if I had my time again, I probably wouldn't sign up for it.

The nightmare began in 2022 when my extended family decided to vacation in Bali for Christmas.

We usually get together every other year on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, where I grew up, but this time, we wanted to try somewhere else.

My family of origin and I had been to Bali before and knew what to expect, but we had no idea how different the experience would be with 18 people from five families.

The trouble started before we even got on a plane

Booking accommodations was a complete fiasco and should have been a red flag.

Some people wanted resort-style accommodation with all the bells and whistles — kids' clubs, swim-up bars, and other Western comforts. Others in the group liked the idea of more authentic, budget-friendly accommodation with a Balinese feel.

It took six months and a lot of bickering on our family WhatsApp group to settle on a compromise: We'd stay in three different hotels during our 12 nights in Bali. Moving from place to place wasn't ideal, but it meant everyone felt that their needs were being met.

Bickering over where to eat made me want to hide in my room and order room service

Everyone was excited when the big day arrived, and we all touched down at Denpasar International Airport. The youngest family member, our daughter, was 4 months old. The oldest member, my dad, was 78.

The excitement quickly dissipated at the first resort, though. Some family members wanted an affordable vacation, while others were ready to splurge on food, drinks, and entertainment without concerns about cost.

Meal time was particularly tiresome. Family members with more cash to splash preferred eating at our resort or restaurants in pricier areas such as Seminyak, known for its luxury hotels and high-end shopping and dining.

Whereas those on a tight budget would suggest dining at a local warung, a small traditional Balinese restaurant, usually decked out with simple plastic chairs and tables, offering cheap, tasty food.

The nightly debates about where to eat created unnecessary tension, and I wanted to hide in my room and order room service.

I didn't anticipate the hassle of all the Christmas gifts

Holidaying during the festive season also created a logistical nightmare.

With five different families all celebrating Christmas, we exchanged many gifts.

Lugging the presents there and bringing them home proved to be a challenge, and we sent stuff back to Australia with my folks (who live in another state) because we couldn't fit everything into our two suitcases.

The gifts are still collecting dust at my folks' house.

The worst of it was yet to come

All those hassles paled in comparison to the digestive issues, aka Bali belly, that affected nearly the whole group.

It started with my dad, who went down on day three with vomiting and diarrhea, then took out 15 of the 18 of us. Each night, we'd place bets on who would go down next.

For Christmas Eve, we'd pre-paid for a lavish seafood buffet dinner at hotel number two, the Holiday Inn in Nusa Dua. That night, my husband started experiencing gastro symptoms, and needless to say, Christmas Eve was not what we'd hoped for.

By Christmas Day, our 4-month-old daughter had started projectile vomiting by the pool; then, I woke up feeling horrendous on Boxing Day.

I remember brushing my teeth when I thought I was over the worst of it, letting out a little gas, and then looking at my husband with horror because more than just gas had come out. That was a real low point.

When it was time to go home, I was ready for a real vacation with some actual peace and tranquility.

I think next time, we'll keep the big family get-togethers at my parents' house in Queensland and leave the international holidays to our family of five.

• I was terrified when my son was diagnosed with a life-threatening allergy to almonds.
• He handled the diagnosis bravely, and our friends learned how to use EpiPens.
• He no longer has this severe allergy, but the experience made me so grateful for our community.

In July 2023, my 8-year-old son and I were having a smoothie together in our small town in Australia when he started to complain that his throat felt strange.

He kept on saying that his tongue felt like it was getting bigger, and I noticed he had a red rash down his chin. Our doctor referred us to an allergy specialist, and by October, he'd gotten a skin-prick test.

It revealed one of my worst fears: Our son had a life-threatening allergy to almonds.

Our whole world changed instantly

Allergies such as this can cause anaphylaxis, and symptoms can include difficulty breathing, coughing, fainting, severe stomach pain, and tongue or throat swelling — just like my son experienced.

If not treated immediately, anaphylaxis can be fatal. As I sat there listening to the prognosis, I couldn't believe it. No one in our families had ever had a severe allergy that we knew of, and I didn't know much about them at all.

The pediatric allergist gave us a referral for an EpiPen (an auto-injector used to treat life-threatening, allergic emergencies), issued us with an action plan about what to do in the event of exposure, and said she'd see us in 12 months.

Those first few weeks after the diagnosis, I had terrible anxiety about the situation. I cried often and had nightmares about my son having a bad reaction.

We began carrying an adrenaline injector and antihistamines with us every time we left the house. When my son ate something new, we'd check the labels meticulously for almonds in any form.

Grandparents were schooled in how to use an EpiPen. Friends offered to learn how to use one before a playdate, lest they should have to jab my son.

I started getting ahead of myself and worrying about the teenage years when my son might be drunk at a party and eat something without thinking or when he was older and traveling, unable to decipher ingredients in another language.

It was a rough period, but my son handled it all like a champ. He would religiously check every ingredient label himself, and he got into the habit of asking parents at birthday parties if the cake contained almonds.

After a year, it was time for the follow-up test

After 12 months of stress, we headed back to the allergy specialist for our follow-up appointment.

As I sat there watching my little boy's back flair up with a tapestry of different-sized welts (based on his reaction to the various skin-prick allergens), I felt terrified. What would this test reveal?

"That's interesting," the pediatric allergist said, just as my heart felt like it was going to leap out of my chest. "His almond reaction is half of what it was last year."

She suggested my son do an "almond challenge," in which they'd introduce small amounts of the nut into his system in a controlled setting. We agreed.

When the big day arrived, I asked my son how he felt. "I'm not scared, mummy," he said. "I'll be all right." As he drove with my husband to the allergist's office, I kept thinking how brave he was, even at such a young age.

That day, I could barely concentrate at work until my husband called with the best news of my life: Our son hadn't reacted.

Tears streamed down my face. I felt so overwhelmed with gratitude, but we still weren't quite out of the woods yet.

For seven days after, my son was instructed to eat a small amount of almonds a day at home and note any reactions. When there was nothing to report, he was given the all clear.

To mark a week of no reactions, I gave my son my full blessing to give his former arch-enemy — the almond — the middle finger, and our family had a good chuckle.

We found a silver lining in a stressful experience

Only a very small percentage of children with an allergy to tree nuts outgrow them. It seems my son was one of the lucky ones (or maybe there was another reason his initial skin-prick test was so elevated, we'll never know for sure).

A severe allergy diagnosis really does rock your world, and I feel for others who have to navigate those turbulent waters. Through this experience, though, I learned a lot about the value of true community and friendship.

Our friends made separate cakes just for our son, checked ingredient lists like forensic detectives, and stepped up when given an EpiPen to potentially use.

I also realized that bravery comes in all shapes and sizes and that we can often learn so much from our children. When presented with a scary situation, my young son faced it with courage — perhaps we could all use a little more of that.

• My mom always wanted grandkids, but my siblings and I all had them later in our lives.
• Now that she's an older grandparent, she has less energy to play with her grandkids.
• I had my kids at the perfect time for me, and I have no regrets.

When my partner and I found out I was pregnant with our first child, I couldn't wait to tell my mom. After all, it was the news she had been wanting to hear for years.

My mom has always loved children, and as a mother of four herself, she had hoped that one of her kids would give her a grandchild to love sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, my siblings and I were all late to the parental party, and Mom had to wait a long time before it eventually happened.

My oldest sister was the first sibling to have a child at age 40. By then, Mom was 64 and still full of energy. She took on the role of 'Nana' with zest. However, my sister's family lives in South Africa, and I think Mom was dying for more grandchildren closer to home in Australia.

When I got pregnant, I knew life was about to change

Three years later, when I was 29, I unexpectedly got pregnant. I remember feeling overwhelmed at first and a little daunted about how much my life was about to change, but I also felt ready to settle down. I'd been with my partner for eight years at that point, and I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him, so starting a family wasn't that much of a leap.

I was also happy about the fact that the baby was due just after my 30th birthday. I'd always wanted the focus of my 20s to be on my career and travel. I'd ticked both of those boxes — working as a news reporter at various points in my 20s and traveling the globe for three years satiating my travel bug. Looking back, I think I might have resented it later if I hadn't achieved those goals before having children.

My parents were so excited, and my mom flew down to help after I gave birth

Around the 12-week mark of my pregnancy, my parents flew down from the Gold Coast in Queensland to Melbourne, where my partner and I lived. I'd printed off a photo of myself as a toddler and written a note saying, "Version two: coming soon." Naturally, Mom was over the moon. "I can't believe my baby is having a baby," she said, hugging me tight.

When our son was born six months later, she was incredible. She flew down and stayed with my husband and me for seven weeks while we adjusted to parenthood. It was a special time and I'm so grateful for her support.

My parents are older grandparents, but I had kids at the right time for me

After the birth of our son, my other siblings ended up giving Mom more grandchildren — she now has seven in total. While she loves them all dearly, she struggles to keep up with them physically, especially the younger ones. She's now 76 and often says she wishes we hadn't waited to have kids so late because now she's an older grandparent.

Being an older grandparent means Mom doesn't have the energy she once had. She loves spending time with our kids and will happily read a book to our toddler or play chess with our nine-year-old son. But she can no longer leap around in the pool with them or hike up mountains with us, and at times, that does make me sad.

Everyone has a different idea of how they want their life to look, and for me, 30 was the right time to become a mother. Instead of focusing on the fact that my parents are getting older and the limitations their age places on them as grandparents, I'm trying to enjoy the time we do have together. The most important thing to me is to make memories that will sustain us for the long haul. We will cherish those forever.