Senior News September, 2001 Vol. 20. No.  9

 

Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.

Unsung heroes: Bridgeville Lunch Bunch creates a community

Unsung Heroes

Remembering Spirit: Who are your unsung heroes?

Grandparents' Day takes on a different feel

Ask the Nurse

Is there a "brain drain" among California physicians?

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Grandparents' Day takes on a different feel
by Rachel Windsong

September 10, Grandparents' Day, has for the past 22 years been a special holiday for me because my only grandchild was born on that day. Becoming a grandparent is one of those unimaginable experiences-until you become one you wonder what the big fuss is about, and you wish everyone would leave their pictures at home and skip the latest story about theirs. Then you become a grandparent, and you get a new camera and stock up on film and look for someone to tell about your miracle. It's falling in love all over again.

But today, for an increasing number of people, the role of grandparenting also means raising that grandchild, often at the point when you are about to finally relax a little and realize some of your own dreams. By the time you take over, a child has always been through many traumas, old parenting skills don't often work, and you may be confronted with legal and financial problems.

In an attempt to help ease the problems of raising a grandchild, the College of the Redwoods started a program called Kinship Care-because other family members are raising these children too. It is designed to provide support and information to anyone raising another family member's child.

Regular monthly meetings will start in October providing speakers on pertinent subjects and time to discuss your concerns. The dates for meetings will be published in next month's paper. In the meantime, for more information call Michelle Rice at 707-476-4339.

Rachel Windsong lives in Eureka. Her e-mail is windstar@northcoast.com.