of a new platform or operating system . Surely , her return to life at home will also end her pet peeve of having to tolerate the different human thermostats in a shared office . Always representing French style with her chic outfits , she will no longer have to negotiate the room temperature or wear a sweater over her feminine blouses .
We know that Gisèle will be able to turn her full attention to Charlotte and Dylan , her grandchildren , through her retirement . Research tells us that grandmothers play a vital role in the well-being of the next generation . What is known as the “ grandmother effect ” increases a grandchild ’ s survival rate , not only by strengthening emotional bonds between grandparent and grandchild , but also by supporting the parents of the grandchildren so that the whole family benefits . While Gisèle may not be familiar with the specific studies , her heart knew it was time to wrench herself from her
beloved role of educating boys and turn to her own family . In leaving teaching to take on this grandmother role more fully , she continues to inspire another generation of women to navigate through life ’ s pathways . Merci , Madame ! •
Tori Gilbert is Chair of Modern Languages at Saint David ’ s School .
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