I have been a member of Active Rain for a long time. Unfortunately, I havent utilized it to its fullest potential. This morning, I was looking around at some blogs that I had been missing and quickly realized something. What is that something? Active Rain is not just about real estate. It has become more. Over time, many have bonded with other members. Some make special trips to meet one another. There is a real sense of community here. You can see members sharing the highs and low of life. So, I would like to share with you my newest high....
I have raised my girls to be very understanding of where people are in theirs lives. It doesnt matter if they live in a million dollar home or under the bridge at Interstate 75. It doesnt matter if they are highly educated or never learned to read or write. People deserve respect.
They also have learned that you reach out and help when you can. Often doing this, your helping people that might even need the same help you do, but it isnt about you. Giving reaps many rewards. Give unselfishly and you will be rewarded again and again. So, to my point.
I would like to introduce you to Nathan (soon to be Colby Jacob). Nathan came into our lives as a very big surprise last Saturday morning. My daughter Megan, who is 19 and in the Army has taken custody of Nathan and made me an instant Grandma. I had always hoped to be atleast 40 before this happened. Technically, I guess I will be. The permanent custody hearing is set for September 29th, my 40th birthday.
About 7 months ago, Megan mentioned to me that a friend from high school was pregnant and did not want the baby. Megan had asked my opinion about her taking custody. I said, "Absolutely not!" Megan was 19, she had a lot of living to do and some growing up before she needed the responsibility of a baby.
A conversation between Megan and I went like this on Saturday:
Megan: What are you guys doing?
Me: We are headed to Markus's soccer game. What are you doing?
Megan: I am at the Mt. Zion exit.
Me: What are you doing in town?
Megan: I had a couple of things to take care of.
Me: Good, while your here, swing by and pick up Moe (the dog that she is suppose to be taking back to KY with her).
Megan: I cant, I dont have room for him with the baby and things.
Me: What baby?
To say the least, I was shocked.
Come to find out, the baby hadnt been taken very good care of. His siblings had been also given away. Nathan is a little behind developmentally, but nothing that a little time spent working with him wont fix. He had a little bruising on his spine, and he was not being properly fed. Today is his first check up!
This all unfolded so quickly, I didnt have time to really think things through. Megan brought Nathan to see us at the soccer game. I instantly fell in love with him. I grilled Megan with some "Motherly" questions. She had all the legal paperwork drawn up by military attorneys. She had already taken care of base housing, so the have their own place. Her and her boyfriend had bought clothes, toys and other necessities. Childcare was arranged. She had done all of this and given up her post teenage years unselfishly for this little boy who just wanted to be loved and cared for.
Megan was actually very scared to tell us. She wasnt sure how we would react. Of course, there is nothing we could at this point, but accept it and make the best of the situation. So I am a beaming grandma and Chris is a closet Grandpa...lol I know deep down he is excited, but he isnt going to show it yet. Septemember 29th is a big day for us. The hearing will determine if he is with us for the long haul.
I am very proud of Megan for the preparation she did in order to make this all happen. I am proud of her for unselfishly giving her heart to this little boy. Megan and I have butted heads many times and even recently, but we do agree on one thing....He is simply wonderful.
Some of the biggest gifts come in little packages.
Brande Bradford... South Metro Atlanta Specialist
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Grandma! WOW!
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Brande- That is a very heart warming blog. He is so cute and I am very proud of Megan for her thoughtful and loving decision she has made. No child should be in that situation. Oh btw.. Congratulations grandma! <leaves>