In the waters with … three generations of women

One of our Spa Directors, Nikki, took the waters with her mother-in-law Carmel and her grandmother-in-law Nanny Mae, and asked them to share a few pearls of wisdom. Here is what three generations of women had to say about life, children and getting older …

Nikki & Nanny Mae

What do you love about being a mother? 

Carmel: Being able to be supportive to my children when they need it the most. I love knowing that they will always need me, even if it is just short spurts now and then.

Nanny Mae: I love that no matter how old my children get, they still treat me like a Queen; they mind their manners when they are around me always. I guess that comes from good parenting!

What did you find challenging about being a mother?

Carmel: Balancing their busy schedules as they grew up. It was very hard making sure all three children made it to all of their activities, and that I was able to be involved in all of them.

Nanny Mae: Having six children growing up under one roof with one bathroom!

What was something great and unexpected you discovered about being a mother?

Nanny Mae: I was really good at it. My kids have all grown up to be amazing, smart and accomplished individuals. I couldn’t be more proud.

How do you stay balanced with life, career, family, friends & health?

Carmel: Well, now that I’m retired the career part is real easy! I was a phys-ed teacher so I was lucky to have exercise as a part of my everyday routine. My family and friends have always come first, so I’m glad that I have even more time to spend with them.

Nikki: I keep a pretty repetitive schedule. It’s the only way I can fit it all in. Tuesday to Saturday is for body blitz, Saturday nights are for friends, Sundays are for family and Monday is for me.

What’s your favourite indulgence? 

Carmel: A great book with a big glass of wine. 

Nanny Mae: Traveling as often as I can. I enjoy it so much.

Nikki: Combining both Carmel’s and Nanny’s favourites.

Proudest accomplishment?

Nanny Mae: My kids, and their kids and hopefully soon, their kids too!

Who is your role model or mentor?

Carmel:  My mother of course. She was able to bring me, as well as my five siblings, up in the tiniest of homes and keep us all in line along the way.

The lessons I keep learning over and over again are …

Nikki: Moms are always right. They have the best intuition and know exactly what to say when you need to hear it.

My mom was right about …

Carmel: The importance of family. When growing up you feel like you are being dragged along to every birthday party/anniversary/celebration and although we always have fun once we arrive, we’d kick and scream before. Now, I can’t wait to celebrate the next big event; I really cherish each and every one of them.

What is the best thing about getting older?

Nikki: Feeling confident about the decisions I make every day.

Carmel: Having more free time. I am able to try new things that I would not have had the time to do when I was working full time. I now do yoga, and I’m on a curling team!

Nanny Mae: Senior Discounts! 

Tell us about your first experience with body blitz?

Carmel: My first experience at body blitz was wonderfully relaxing. I was hesitant about the waters and didn’t give myself enough time in advance to use them as it was all new to me. I was sure to make the most of the waters afterwards with the encouragement of my therapist. I have never had a better night’s sleep.

Nanny Mae: Carmel bought me a lovely gift certificate for the face and scalp treatment. When she came to pick me up for the day, she told me to make sure I had my bathing suit and to get ready to relax. I just loved the entire experience. My therapist was gentle and caring with me. I especially enjoyed when she massaged my calves during the treatment.