Looks like the wife and I are starting over

[Grumpy]

We celebrated 50 years of marriage this week, now we have a 7 year old girl to raise. She is my great grand daughter. DCF took her away from her parents due to drug use and a few other things I will not go into. But bottom line we have her for the next year, the courts are putting them through hoops for the next year to re-qualify to get their daughter back, if they fail we have her permanently. If they screw up once during the year, it is up to the courts to see if they get another chance.  Going to be fun raising another one. The things I get into in my old age. But did not want to see her in a foster home, so doing what we can. The parents are limited to one visit a month and supervised by the DCF in their office. They are not allowed contact at my house any time.

[Black Dog]

Good on you two    Not so sure I'd want to start again, but you are doing right by your great grand daughter...

There is a special place in heaven, waiting for you 

Black Dog

[Skinhead]

Very good of you.  I'm sorry that her parents aren't responsible enough to raise their child, but she is lucky to have you.  Best of luck to you and her parents, I hope they get things together.

[Flrider]

Bill

You and your wife are doing a great thing, it will not be easy but take it a day at a time and have lots of patience. There will have to be adjustments on both sides, the new parents and your great grand daughter.

It is a very traumatic situation for children to go into a strange environment and even more when they get separated from their parents who no matter what they are doing wrong, the child loves them unconditionally and do not want to leave their side.
Strangers pick them up and take them to some other strangers office and then being transported by other strangers and ending up on some other strangers home.

I never forget the look on a child's face when they first walk in the door and do no know what to expect.
In your case, your great grand daughter is in the best possible situation, being able to go to her great grandparents, a safe and loving home.
Hopefully her parents can get their act back together and straighten up their lives.

We were foster parents for a few years and it is a tough situation all around.
There were many things that we never taught about when we first got into fostering but at the end, you get to do your part to help those that never asked to be in that situation, the children.


I commend you and your wife for stepping up and doing the right thing.

[Thunderbolt]

Ditto to what has already been said.  Good on you and Great Great Grandma.  Much Much better than foster home.  Y'all have a vested interest.

[R J]

Grumphy, I no care what anyone says bad about ya, but you and Grandma are 2 very good people to step forward.

Don't be super strict, just be fair and don't change a decision once it is made.

[Daniel Meyer]

My Mom raised her grandson (my nephew) in similar circumstances.

It's a tough job.

You're good people.

[TJ]

 

[FloridaValkRyder]

Bill, you and Anna never cease to amaze me. You're both Angels sent from Heaven for this little girl.
I'm sitting here right now trying to put myself in your shoes, and God forgive me, I don't think I could do it. I have never had any children of my own and would not even know where to start honestly. God Bless you both for taking on this challenge and thanks for doing the right thing..again. 

[texaninsouthfl]

That's one way to stay young!

Praise and prayers sent your way!

Tex ~

[John Schmidt]

Bill, that's a great thing you and Anna are doing. I sure can't imagine doing it myself, but when placed into a situation we find out we can do things we never thought possible. I currently have eight great grandkids with two more on the way. I've met and played with all of them and would have no problem taking them in a time of need. But oh my....what a change in your lifestyle.

[IamGCW]

You say you're starting over.  I see it you're continuing helping others like you always have.

Guess it is time to get some small size riding gear so she can join us on rides.   

Gil

[Tundra]

 Bill & Anna my hats off to you both for doing the right thing. It's not always easy doing the right thing, but this sounds like it's the best decision for all party's involved. Great rewards come with personal sacrifice and I certainly hope this will be the case for you both.
I do have some small & extra small helmets...just sayin
We are proud to know people like you
-Doug & Andrea

[Bighead]

Good on you Bill  it will be hard but worth the effort. It will make a big difference in this little girls life.

[Pappy!]

Hey Grumpster!
Way to go ! That is a great age to mold and shape into a fine young lady.
My g'friend, who I think you met up at the get together in the forest, had done the same thing with her grand daughter. Her daughter just walked off and left her at a few months old so Lesa took over and has had her for the last 14 years.
That little girl hopefully will look back and know how lucky she is/was to be with you two!

[Grumpy]

We are not heroes of any kind , just did not want her growing up in foster care. Going to be a new ball game taking her to school etc, but I get to learn some thing new every day now.  Oh well now I have another sweet heart to love.

[HayHauler]

God Bless you and your wife Bill.  You will be blessed beyond belief. 

Hay
Jimmyt

[DD]

Good for your GGranddaughter to have GGrandparents that are putting her first.   that's what Loves all about!!       
     

[The emperor has no clothes]

We are not heroes of any kind , just did not want her growing up in foster care. Going to be a new ball game taking her to school etc, but I get to learn some thing new every day now.  Oh well now I have another sweet heart to love.

Bill you may or may not be heroes. But you guys are damn sure GOOD people! Makes me proud just to have met you

[Valkahuna]

Bill, as I've told you before, you are a good man, and Anna is special as well. While this will certainly be different for a while, the rewards for both of you are immeasurable. And that pales in comparison to what this means for your great grandchild. Hope her parents get their lives back in order so that they can be a family again. Until then, may the good Lord guide you and watch over you all. Viv and I will be praying for your success.   

[Jess from VA]

Bless you and the Mrs., Bill. 

My folks took my sister's daughter at about 10 (no court necessary, but threatened).  She went from a disturbed child to salutatorian of her HS, and honor grad in education.  At least her exposure to drugs and alcohol by her (lousy) parents put her off those things for good. 

May the road rise at your feet.....

[flsix]

Wow Bill, good for you taking on this responsibility. As others have said there will be a real change in everyones lifestyle.
Do I see an extra set of hands in the shop? 
I have a 24 year old niece who loves to get her hands dirty working on mechanical stuff.

[BCoy]

You are great people! Your great grand daughter will be the one who will benefit most from your unselfish act of love. Yes your lives will change, but for the better.

[Bert AKA,Valkaholic]

This Is A Great Thing That You And Anna Are Doing For Your Great -Grand-Daughter. It Will Be A Life Changing Experience For You All . You ,Ann, And The Child Will Learn Lots of New Things From Each Other As Time Goes By. Sometimes We Need These Things To Happen In Our Lives To Help Keep Us Young.May God Bless You All,
Bert & Sherrie

[larue]

Hats off to Both of you, but after all family is family and noone is perfect.This little girl caught up in the middleof this  is not her fault,neither it is yours, but stepping up and doing right by your blood is noble and i salute you for that.

[Farside]

You both have a Big Heart and Jesus is there in your heart. So glad you have followed your heart and your granddaughter is blessed for having you both. My prayers will be for you patients and strength.  GB

[Jo k]

This made me smile, She is a very lucky little girl.

[Gondul#408]

Good on you and your wife for taking this on...and as others have stated, it will be quite a transition for both of you.

Take it easy and breathe and communicate expectations!