My husband, who is an American and I had retired to a little cottage in up State New York.
A division of the Ministry of Social Development, Child Youth & Family held a Family Group Conference, in April 2007 and we came out to attend that as well as visiting family and friends. It was agreed that our granddaughter was in need of care and protection due to the mother’s mental disabilities caused by alcohol and drugs.
Our granddaughter was 2 ½ at the time and would barely speak a word. In two weeks we had her knowing her colours, counting to ten and she was well on her way to matching her peers at every level.
After being in our care since then, we have bubbly, happy, contented little girl, certainly not the sad little one that first came to be with us and is now more than equal with her peers.
We on the other hand, have gone through much anxiety, concern about our financial circumstances and our general well being. I have started this website because my experience tells me that there is an urgent need for people in similar circumstances to find support and fellowship.
I hope that you will share your experiences both sad and joyfully on this site which will encourage others to gain insight and comfort.
If you are interested in a particular subject, please go to the Index Page.
SERENITY PRAYER
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the dfference.
'Life isn't about how to survive the storm, But how to dance in the rain.
The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; They just make the best Of everything they have.
GODS CAKE
Sometimes we wonder, 'What did I do to deserve this?' or 'Why did God have to do this to me?' Here is a wonderful explanation! A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away. Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, 'Absolutely Mom, I love your cake.' 'Here, have some cooking oil,' her Mother offers. 'Yuck' says her daughter. 'How about a couple raw eggs?' 'Gross, Mom!' 'Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?' 'Mom, those are all yucky!' To which the mother replies: ‘Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! ‘God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful! God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart. Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance!
JOE HOULDSWORTH The only thing worth stealing is a kiss from a sleeping child.
TODAY'S THOUGHT
That when your newly born child holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.
A LOVELY POEM
Some people have a wonderful way of putting others at ease. You, say and do the little things, that will comfort and will please. You have special kind of warmth You’re quick to understand. And whenever there is trouble you lend a helping hand. This world of ours is a better place and happier by far. Because there are some special people As wonderful as you are.
May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.
MY MOTHER TAUGHT ME
My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT. 'If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up.'
I have created a group on Facebook called "Raised by Relatives." The purpose of establishing this is to allow our grandchildren to connect and interact with others in the same situation. It is so important that they don't feel isolated. I do hope that you will allow your grandchildren to become members. I will of course be monitoring it regularly.
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All remarks stated on raisingrandchildren.net.nz are the WRITER’S AND OR MODERATOR'S OPINION ONLY, and cannot be used in a court of law. We recommend that you seek legal advice about your own circumstances before proceeding with court action. Names and places have been changed to protect privacy.
