Met a man who touched my heart deeply. Had just been commenting on Drew’s post about teen suicide, a topic I connect to through previous work.
This man and his wife had just bankrupted their business and sold their home to pay off debts incurred by her drug-abusing son. This druggie had fathered eight to three women who were into his scene but he had not cared for any. Now this couple forced into retirement and maybe dreaming of the grey nomad experience were given a few days to decide whether to take on the care of five grandkids 2.5 – 10 years of age or let them get lost in the foster care system.
They decided to take on the care and the community rallied around them. A five-bedroom house was offered at reasonable rent. The op shops clothed them all and provided the furnishings. Lions club moved everything in and helped them to set up.
Now three years later he is still doing handyman jobs to help pay the bills and the kids are doing very well at school. An older sibling suicided at 21 years so tragedy plagues them. But they are a strong community involved family who care and connect at a meaningful level.
aroused 
God almighty how can these things still happen in this day and age? It’s tragic but good to see they were looked after.
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absolutely tragic Simon but ice is taking a tight grip on Australia and it’s affecting far too many families …. the violence that accompanies it is unbelievable!
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Where’s it coming from?
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apparently all made in home labs … quite dangerous I believe … we recently had a best mate killed in one outburst recently … imagine living with that once you sober up!
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Definitely the biggest decision those grandparents took of their lifetime. Hats off to them for taking this giant step.
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exactly Hammad, I doubt those 5 kids could have stayed together in foster care so it is truely remarkable!
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We need more of them around …..may God bless them with happiness and abundance
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Selfless and caring, powerful stuff
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Unconditional love indeed.
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So horrible, great share Kate dear.<3
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In the end it’s all about family. I understand how they feel I would do anything for my grandkids. Though I am a believer in tough love and allowing the family member to work out things for themselves rather than doing everything for them. It’s their life once they reach a certain age and have to accept responsibility for it.
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agree with that in theory Len but those kids have already suffered too much because of the father’s inability to accept responsibility for any of his action … not sure why they paid off his debts as he may have been better off in jail!
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This a touching story. The grandparents are brave people. I hope they and the children live happily the rest of their lives.
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me too Peter but the step-grandpa is not a young man …
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OH, what loving grandparents! They have taken on a huge task, but a very rewarding one. They will be in my thoughts and prayers. I hope people there will continue to help and support them. We have friends who are raising their grandchildren because of the parent’s death or drug abuse, etc, and we do what we can to help and support them.
Thank you for sharing this story with us, Kate.
(((HUGS)))
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This warms my heart! I hope they’re all ok! Such a positive touching story!
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yes Carol Anne, felt we all needed a few of these … another one tomorrow tonight about another family!
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I don’t understand the concept of bad things happening to good people. He is paying for the mistakes of his son and he is still paying for it. Why?
Alteast he is surrounded by such a supportive community but my questions still remain.
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Please note, his step-son Megha … he married the lads mother much later … and he will surely reap the benefits in other ways, his heart is so good … many other men would have walked away from it!
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Heartwarming and inspiring tale of unconditional love and hope. Thanks for sharing this Kate.
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