Stepping back into the role of caregiver after my daughter’s passing was not something I anticipated. Suddenly, I found myself responsible for my grandson, only six months old, and my granddaughter, just four years old. It was a whirlwind of emotions and adjustments. But as tough as it was, I knew I had to keep going.
After years away, I felt out of touch with the world. I needed to reconnect, not just for myself but for my grandchildren too. That’s when I stumbled upon Families First. Joining this organization felt like a lifeline. Finally, I had a community, people who understood what I was going through.
The Ripple Program was a game-changer. Every Tuesday, I looked forward to our meetings. Sharing my experiences and hearing from others gave me a sense of belonging. When I got together with other caregivers at Families First, it was nice to meet others from different backgrounds and areas who are all going through the same things.
Through Families First, I also discovered resources that benefited my grandchildren, like getting my grandson enrolled part-time at Head Start. What the kids are learning at Head Start is totally different from when I raised my kids. The curriculum includes STEM education, and the teachers constantly praise my grandson’s progress. He’s already recognizing letters and even spells out his name letter by letter. Witnessing his development is truly remarkable.
But it’s not just about academics; it’s about holistic development. My granddaughter attends an academy where she explores STEM and participates in yoga for therapeutic reasons. Losing her mother at such a young age was tough, but I’m determined to keep her engaged and stimulated, both mentally and physically.
I’m glad that I’m opening up and getting back out and talking to people. It makes me feel good because I felt like I was in a dark cloud before. I didn’t know what to do with myself. And now I’m looking at other initiatives that I want to do. I want to finish my master’s because I only have seven credits. This experience just opened me up and I was happy because it gave me a happy feeling again.
Beyond the program, I attended Parent Cafe sessions, forging connections with fellow parents. These interactions opened my eyes to new possibilities, like pursuing a position at Head Start myself. I wanted to give back, to contribute to the education and well-being of children like my own.
As a grandmother, I find myself more involved than ever before. I’ve learned to adapt to this new era of parenting, where children are encouraged to express themselves and actively participate in decision-making. Now, I listen to them, respect their opinions, and involve them in planning outings and activities.
Participating in programs like Families First has been instrumental in my journey. Connecting with other caregivers and learning from their experiences has been invaluable. I’ve had numerous “aha” moments during our sessions, and I’m grateful for the support and guidance I’ve received.
But perhaps the most significant lesson I’ve learned is the importance of self-care. Raising my grandchildren is a challenging yet rewarding experience, but I must prioritize my health and well-being. After battling pneumonia, I realized that I need to take care of myself to be there for my grandchildren fully.
Despite facing personal challenges, I remain committed to my grandchildren and my community. Staying involved isn’t just about staying informed; it’s about shaping a brighter future for the children I love dearly. They bring so much joy and purpose into my life, and I’m committed to providing them with the love and support they need to thrive.
