Happy Easter. 

     As an older generation we remember Easter's from decades ago. I will never forget the tight dress shoes, the fancy dress and of course my Easter bonnet. Oh yes, the white gloves as well. When all the females dressed to the nines and the little men sported their first "suits". 

     Things have changed and yet remained the same. Easter eggs still hold a delight for small children. Easter baskets still bring small toys and sweet candy. Decorating eggs is a wonderful treat for grandparents to share with their grandchildren. After all we've been perfecting that art for many years!

     At six years old I can't imagine dressing my granddaughter in white gloves or an Easter bonnet. We did pick up an inexpensive outfit at the dollar store for her though. She looks like a cutie pie in it and we will be getting many pics of her!

     For some celebrating Easter would not be complete without telling the story of Jesus' resurrection. Sharing an Easter drama at church with their grandchildren. Or reading the story of the Hope of Life. 

     However your family celebrates this holiday I want to wish each of you the best day ever! May your joy be abundant, may your happiness overflow and most of all may you see life in the eyes of your grandchild!

Walking in someone else's shoes...

Are you a Grandparent Raising a Grandchild?

THEN

      I have friends who are in their 70's & 80's raising their grandchildren on a fixed social security income. Some of those grandchildren have special needs. And a lot of us GRG's can't get the bio-parents to meet their child support payments. 

 

       Grandparents who are past the age of hire ability. Past the age of physical ability. Past the age of energy ability. And they are struggling everyday to do the best they can for their grandchildren.

 

       Yes, they knew when they accepted the challenge it would be a struggle. Yes, they chose to accept that privilege willingly.

 

      Our government is throwing money at all walks of life. Some deserving and some not. The only minority (which is rapidly becoming a majority) that does not receive a monthly stipend from the taxes they paid in to is of course the GRG's. 

 

      Please remember which age group we are discussing. The generation that was independent. The group of survivors who doesn't ask for handouts freely. The women/men who have worked for many decades paying in their taxes and who at this point in life could use a little help. Not for themselves mind you...but for these children who would have been left behind.

 

      We GRG's are saving our government from paying out millions to the foster system because we are not allowing our grandchildren to be passed around to strangers homes.

 

      We are giving all we have to give...and not even receiving an offer as a thank you!

Introducing our Family

Introducing our Family

Our granddaughter drew this picture last year to represent our family. You see a Paw Paw, a Nana, her aunt, two cousins, herself and our two dogs.

What makes us a unique family? We are one of the growing numbers of grandparents raising grandchildren.

7.0 million

The number of grandparents whose grandchildren younger than 18 were living with them in 2010.

2.7 million

The number of grandparents responsible for the basic needs of one or more grandchildren under 18 living with them in 2010. Of these caregivers, 1.7 million were grandmothers and 1.0 million were grandfathers.

Our society is rapidly becoming a nation of families that do not fit the "normal" definition of family.

When we (hubby & I) were 53 & 48 respectively we began the process to learn to become parents again. This journey began with disbelief. Disbelief that at the time in our life we would soon be experiencing colic, teething, potty training and all the fun stuff of new parents again. Frustration was second. Frustration that the two parents (our son & his girlfriend) created this beautiful child and yet were incapable of caring for her. Anger started creeping in as well. We had spent the last decade learning to love each other, love our new found freedom and loving our new hobby (motorcycle riding). And now all that had come to an abrupt halt.

Now the fun stuff! We as middle aged people had to re-learn how to change diapers. What? Disposable diapers? Where's the pins? How do you wash them out to reuse them? Throw them away! What a waste! OMG, we don't have to wash them! Totally cool!

Diaper wipes? In a box? In a pack? Oh wow! No more rinsing out washclothes? Heated wipes? OMG, are these babies spoiled now or what? Oh sorry, that's are we parents spoiled not or what?

And the absolute best invention in three decades yet. Better than disposable diapers, better than heated wipes, better than car seats? Yes. It has to be.....ta dah...non-spill sippy cups! Yes!!! Finally we parents aren't constantly mopping up spilled drinks. Gotta love whoever invented that baby!



Census Facts:
 Census.gov