When we were approached on the subject of taking care of this little baby, I was so happy because I was unfortunate to not be able to have any of my own. Raising Matthew has been a blessing as well as a challenge. Matthew was only 6 months old when he lost his grandfather. Well, he was his step grandfather, but he loved Matthew as if he was his own grandson, which is very important. I could ask my father questions about raising a child and he would help me. Then I lost my dad and had to raise him as we went. These past 5 years have been wonderful. Then yet again in 2003 We were approached yet again. We were asked that same question but in a different way. "Can you take this baby and raise her as if she were your own?" We were overjoyed. This is my grandchild, but we have raised her as our own daughter. She has been the apple of my eye. Kelly is an angel. She never knew her grandfather but I tell her all the time what a wonderful man he was.

     Raising both Matthew and Kelly has been a joy. It's strange raising someone else's child, but I've loved every minute of it. Seeing them take their first steps. Learning how to dress themselves, putting on their shoes. Learning how to do things on their own, and being told "I can do it myself, mommy". It's wonderful.

     But at the legal point of it-it's really hard. Always being told they are not "really yours" cuts to the heart. It is something that I have to deal with, but because of the love I have for these two kids, I can deal with it because in my heart they are mine. 

     They are my grandchildren legally, but they know me as their mommy. I've been with them every moment of their lives. I've held them when they cried, when they laughed I have laughed with them. They are a integral part of my life as it should be, even though they are grandchildren.

     It has been a humbling experience going from no children, to being a stepmom at age 32, to becoming a grandmother/mother. If it wasn't for my faith in God and His guidance I couldn't have made it. There have been big mountains along the way. Sometimes it was as though I couldn't get around, over or even through them. But this experience has it's great rewards too. Looking forward to the time they begin to drive, go to college, even being there for their weddings.

If given the opportunity to do it again, with a great big resounding YES, I would do it again. This is why we feel that through Grandparents to Parents Foundation we can help you. Been there done that. We can draw from each other and help and support one another.



In His Name,

Lorie L. Galt