I was 9 years old when my father told us that he was divorcing my mother and getting married to someone else.
I knew that my parents’ marriage was on the rocks. Starting when I was about 5, my parents began to live separately. We were living on the East Coast at that time, and my dad began making trips to California. Soon, he told us he was moving there, and although my mother had no interest in moving to the West Coast — and had zero friends or family there — she followed in an effort to keep our family together.
Over the next few years, my parents tried to work things out|Over the next few years, my parents tried to work things out
I know they helped my mom in ways that I didn’t even notice|I know they helped my mom in ways that I didn’t even notice
They took us out to eat and fed us dinner constantly, helped my mom with home repairs and other financial burdens. Most of all, they offered my mom love and support, and the reassurance a working mom needs that an extra set of hands are always nearby.
Now, as a working mom myself with two school-aged kids and a very involved spouse, I know how vital this sort of help is. I can’t believe my mom spent so many years in California without it. It truly takes a village to raise a family, and sometimes that village is two grandparents who are willing and able to help in any way they can.
I will never forget the years that my grandparents lived around the corner from us and were like an extra set of parents for me and my sister. I cry when I think of the selfless love they gave to our family, and the immeasurable ways they supported my single mom.
They are gone now, and I miss them deeply, but the time I spent with them during those years warms my heart and nourishes my soul.|They took us out to eat and fed us dinner constantly, helped my mom with home repairs and other financial burdens. Most of all, they offered my mom love and support, and the reassurance a working mom needs that an extra set of hands are always nearby.
Now, as a working mom myself with two school-aged kids and a very involved spouse, I know how vital this sort of help is. I can’t believe my mom spent so many years in California without it. It truly takes a village to raise a family, and sometimes that village is two grandparents who are willing and able to help in any way they can.
I will never forget the years that my grandparents lived around the corner from us and were like an extra set of parents for me and my sister. I cry when I think of the selfless love they gave to our family, and the immeasurable ways they supported my single mom.
They are gone now, and I miss them deeply, but the time I spent with them during those years warms my heart and nourishes my soul.
