Just When I Think My Work as Grandma is Slowing Down, They Start to Call Me Great - By Sandy Hyde

In 1988, I was working at a federal penitentiary and raising my two children. When they were small, I worked a night shift while my husband worked the day shift. Many times, the prison was on lock-down and I could not get home to care for my children. I was very fortunate to have a husband with a work schedule that could fill in that gap. This causes hardships for some families. There are many families that rarely get family time since one parent is working during the day and another at night.

Today, I am a great-grandmother with full custody of my great-grandson. I am retired, but I work part time as a bus driver. My great grandson goes to a Preschool For All program and is there full day. I feel very fortune that this program exists within my community. It has worked out well for me, and he loves going to school. I have had my great-grandson since birth, and even though the physical demands may feel overwhelming at times, he is a blessing. He is my #1 Little Guy, and I can’t imagine life without him.

Our area needs more support for grandparents raising grandchildren. We also need more activities for children of all ages to do.