Almost a month ago my second to the youngest daughter Shauntelle, her new boyfriend, and her 6 month old son Noah (my youngest grandson) moved to Tennesse to live with my second to the oldest daughter Shay, her fiance Michael, and their two kids (my other two grandchildren James age almost 2, and Harmony aged 10 months old). While I was saddened that they wanted to move so far away ....I understood that it was time for them to "leave the nest" and make decisions on their lives and future. I was happy for them to be finally making some adult decisions and following through with them.
Until today when Shauntelle calls me crying. I asked her what was wrong and she tells me I need to come and get Noah. That she hasn't been able to find a job (she has been walking as far as she can to put in job applications) and that my other daughter Shay and her fiance Michael won't take her to get Noah signed up for WIC or for her to apply for Food Stamps. She is going to give me Power of Attorney over Noah and voluntary guardianship of him as well until she gets a job and can provide for him. She also informed me that I may end up with guardianship of James and Harmony as well. Never in a million years did I think that I would end up having to raise (or temporarily raise) my grandchildren.
I have spent the afternoon praying about the situation. Physically I know it will be taxing on my already weakened immune system and with all of my health issues that I have had since birth. It will probably cause some flare ups with my thyroid issues, fibromyalgia, etc. However, in all good conscience I can not see my grandbabies going to the foster care system with complete strangers. I am all my daughters have. Their father died in a car accident in July of 2007. My parents are both deceased and my little sister is dying. My little brother has some issues. Michael's parents are not suitable candidates for James and Harmony. Noah's father has done nothing to help out with his son at all and he is not listed on Noah's birth certificate. Financially, it will be a strain since I have had to quit my job recently because of my health. I am in the process of fighting for disability, but if need be I will find a job to provide for my grandbabies. I am willing to do whatever I have to and make any sacrifice necessary for my grandbabies to have the life that they deserve. I will continue to pray for guidance and the strength to get through this.
I am going to be embarking on a new journey and I have faith that God will guide me on the right path. He has gotten me through some rough patches before and I know that He will not fail me now. Please keep me in your prayers, thoughts, good wishes, positive vibes,etc. Thank you for taking the time to read this! Blessings to all!
