Family Dynamics: Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

This is a subject close to my heart. I'm raising two grandkids - in fact, I adopted them. There was no question in my mind what had to be done regarding these little miracles (both kids were born 16 weeks early with very slim odds of survival) but what I was not aware of is just how prominent this change in family dynamics is today.

A few years ago, I decided to try and seek support for this situation. I had heard that once upon a time there was a support group established, but it failed due to social issues. Now, this was extremely baffling to me, until I learned exactly what they were talking about. Apparently, when the family "fell apart" it was a social disgrace. No one wanted it known that their family was not whole. Like no one really knew anyway, right? But to the family, it was considered imperative that they present themselves in a light other than what was real behind closed doors. Thus, no one would attend the support groups in fear that they would be looked upon as "less than".

How very, very sad.

Today it's easy to find groups and organizations who not only offer support, but much needed resources for the grandparents who have taken a totally different path in their lives for the sake of their families. For the specific family members who have no voice as yet. And in place of the offspring they already raised. This new path is extremely taxing to the grandparents - emotionally, physically and financially. Their life savings are being drained. Their health is deteriorating faster then it would otherwise. And their reality of the child they raised is not there to be the parent (whatever the reason may be).