I raised my grandchildren after my daughter and son-in-law died. Now 87, it wasn't how I expected retirement to be.

Rebecca Reed raised her grandchildren.

Annie Flanagan for BI

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Rebecca Reed, 87, who works as a church secretary and an editorial assistant in New Orleans. Reed previously spoke with Business Insider about her desire to retire. This article is a follow-up on her experience raising her grandchildren and the toll it took on her. It has been edited for length and clarity.

My saying is "Do not spoil your grandchildren because they could come back to live with you...