His eyes showed the kind of gentle
concern her own father used to have. Chuck
laid his hand lightly on his wife’s shoulder, and spoke with a soft, calming
voice. “We have to keep praying for
him. That’s all we can do,” he said in a
way that was more soothing than the actual words spoken.
‘Him’ was their 3-year old grandson Logan. Their son Bradley, Logan’s dad, had tried to
make it work. Logan’s mom was a
crackhead. Despite the bravado of her
earlier promise to give up drugs, she’d only managed to stay clean for a couple
of days.
After a fight over her (lack of) sobriety, she’d charged at Bradley
with a butcher knife and slit open his palms as he struggled against her. He and Logan moved into a separate apartment a
few blocks away. Less than two weeks
later she skipped town and disappeared.
Noting his wife’s anxiety and trying to lift her spirits, Chuck
continued, “Maybe this summer we can take that European River Cruise we’ve
talked about for years.” Good health and
careful retirement planning provided the opportunity for life’s next chapter –
as volunteers, as helpers to friends, and as people with enough time for modest
travel excursions.
Immediately, Marlene’s mood brightened as she envisioned the
people they’d meet, the sights they’d see, the cultures they’d experience. Just the slightest nudge from his suggestion
and she was soaring among the clouds, off in a temporary world of reverie and contemplation.
Her fantasy was shattered by the shrill sound of her cell
phone. In an instant everything
changed.
Family Services explained that Logan couldn’t live with his
father anymore. Bradley, single now and
working crazy hours, was no longer an option. Chuck and Marlene were the only chance for
Logan to avoid foster care.
They became guardians for the three-year-old the very next
day and their plans took a backseat to his welfare and schedule. It wasn’t what they’d had in mind.
The two weren’t thrilled about the inconvenience, nor did they
relish the uncertain length of Logan’s stay. But they knew it was the best choice for him. They were the only ones who could provide a
healthy environment he needed right now. The travel would have to wait, their
priorities newly rearranged.
Chuck turned to Marlene. “Well, our prayers were answered. We just didn’t know that we were the
answer.”
For the love of God!
Today there are over 2.7 million grandparent-headed families
raising 5 million children. Raising a
second generation brings many rewards - providing grandkids a sense of
security, spiritual growth, and loving relationships. True love often comes with a price and seldom
without sacrifice.
Thank You Lord for all the sacrifices
Grandparents are enduring to make this world a better place for their grandkids. Bring them bountiful wisdom, patience and
grace. Let them cast every worry,
burden, and care upon You. Amen
