Creating a Grand Family

Today is the fifth anniversary of my daughter’s death.  I think of her every day and every day I promise to make decisions she would approve of and make her glad.  In some ways, it’s hard to believe my daughter has been gone for five years.  Where did the time go?  What did I learn?  One thing I learned is that two teenagers and two grandparents can come together to form a grand family.  It is a true miracle.  Still, all of us had to go through a lot of pain to get to this place in our lives.  I learned that my grandchildren are kind, brilliant, helpful people.  Today, I we share mutual love and mutual respect.  During the last five years I learned grief can be shared.  Family members, close friends, and total strangers have come to my aid.  But the most important thing I learned is that each of us has the power to come to terms with grief and create a new life.  My daughter would want me to laugh, set goals, and enjoy each day.  I’m doing these things.  Ten percent of all the grandparents in America are raising their grandchildren. and the number is going up.  So in memory of my daughter I have written a book to help GRGs (grandparents raising grandchildren), and GAPs (grandparents as parents), and hope it will be published soon.  You are in my heart, Helen, and always will be.