Grandchildren:my heart

Welcome to Heart Strings blog post. The purpose of this blog is to talk to other grandparents or family members who have stepped up to raise a child. It may be full custody, kinship care, or adoption where our lives are similar. It is my goal to share my experiences in order to help others. There are few more exciting stages in our lives other than being a grandchild and later, a grandparent. Grandchildren and grandparents have the most fun in the most simple of ways, and they know how to make each moment count. It is a relationship built on care, love, hugs, and acceptance. While grandparents give the best advice about life, grandchildren show their grandparents how to see the world with fresh and curious eyes. It's a journey and one I cherish.

I remember when I first learned that I was going to be a grandmother. I was overcome with emotions. One of my first thoughts was will I be as good a my own mom as a grandparent? Being a grandparent is an important job and should not be taken lightly. I had thoughts and questions reeling through my mind. One main question I asked myself, "what should I be called?" My mom was nana, and I knew that I was not a "grandma." LOL. I made a Facebook post to ask for recommendations and received several ideas. I chose "GiGI" as my name and anxiously awaited the birth.

My first grandchild, Brilee Elizabeth arrived November 22, 2013 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Our family was out of town for a wedding and had no idea she would be arriving so soon. I went in to see her parents while we awaited her arrival and was asked to stay for the birth. I sat quietly over to the side along with my mom and waited in anticipation for the precious child to be born. Once she arrived, the room was filled with joy and I could not take my eyes off of this beautiful child. As she was placed in my arms I remember feeling my heart swelling with pride and it was love at first sight. Just as it had been when I gave birth to my own three children several years prior.

As the days, weeks, and months passed by I became an integral part of her life. Brilee stayed with me on weekends and my heart was full having her around. I took her to church, to visit other family, we played, read a lot of books, and grew very close. I had no idea this close bond we were forming would be one that would take us on a very different journey. A journey that many grandparents find themselves in these days... the role of guardian.

The circumstances were not too uncommon with both of her parents being unable to care for her. I remember thinking to myself, "can I take her full time and raise her?" After careful consideration my husband and I decided it would be best if we took custody of Brilee. The decision was not made in haste, but rather thought out and planned. We wanted Brilee to have a permanent home where she would feel safe and loved.

I cannot really imagine how my life would be without Brilee in it on a daily basis. Yes, there are times I am tired, frustrated, question if I making the right decisions for her...then I look into their beautiful eyes and I feel those heartstrings and I know our worlds are better because we have each other.

#heartstrings #GIGI4LIFE