An Unexpected Journey...
I am Glorya, the Founder of The Grandparent's Community Network. I am a Worshiper, Mother, Writer, etc. I wear many hats within the 24 hr. space of time allotted to me. But most importantly I am one in millions of grand families living in the United States raising my grandchildren. This is my story of how I became a second generation parent. In addition to this, I am a single grandmother parent. That means the full responsibility of their care and reliance is on me. without a personal village it would mean stress beyond what I have the capacity to handle. On March 11, 2019 my beautiful daughter Tamara passed away. My baby girl had Lupus Nephritis. Her biggest fear was that her babies would be raised in separate households if she did not survive the odds. I wanted to honor her final wish. So I accepted custody of her babies that she courageously released in my care. (All 4 of them). Amya, Carlisia (Lee Lee), Alexandria (Alex) and Jacob. We all began an unexpected journey filled with grief, regret and changes. Lots of changes. Immediately I knew I needed a Village. With no time to grieve sufficiently I embraced my obligation and counted it all joy that I was the proud new parent of three girls and a little boy. It was like she never left. I see her everyday in them. Although there is a silver lining in my story; my new life did not evolve without daily stress, legalities, discouragement, abandonment and rejection. I experienced many sleepless nights that rolled into exhausting overwhelming days. The village I needed was quickly engaged in every aspect of my life. First of all my Village consists of my grandkids pediatrician who has been a tremendous source of help emotionally. physically and mentally. It consists of educators who knew my daughter personally, my church, my friends, community volunteers, and most of all my family. Many of them, particularly my brothers also supported me financially until I was able to find my balance again. I love the quote by Winnie the Pooh: "Anyone can show up when you are happy but those who stay by your side when heart falls apart-they are your true friends", My Village has been TRUE to it's meaning. I was moved to help others with the same challenges of raising second gen children duplicate this ancient strategy. Which is why I formed a non profit organization to assist with the mission of involving communities to act as a welcoming village with open arms and hands to assist us with raising our grandchildren. Many of us are raising our grandchildren because of a loss of a child or other family members. Grief Sabbath is a respite stop to help you navigate the long journey ahead. It is a journey that requires constant rest. It is imperative to your health and well being to exhale the bad days.
Every session is created to support each other from the capacity of our pain we have learned to manage. It is a place to reflect, to share, to laugh again, to express how you truly feel and allow you to be a "human being"
Shalom! (peace) Glorya Bolden, TGCN Founder www.tgcncorporate.org
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