Support for grandparents raising their grandchildren

[YaYa23453]

Is there anyone out there raising their grandchildren who would be willing to share their experiences so that others like myself could have someone to talk to outside of their family who would understand the many different emotions, struggles, joys and obstacles that we go through on a daily basis.  Raising my grandchilden has been the most rewarding and the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life.  I would love to talk to others who are on this journey.

[Tinker35]

My husband and I recently adopted his 2 grandsons. We've had them since 2006. They are now 8 and 10 years old, and both have special needs. Our youngest spent 3 weeks in a children's psychiatric hospital and was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. He is now on medication and doing much better.
Our oldest was recently referred to a pediatric geneticist. Primary diagnosis is Russell-Silver Syndrome. Secondary diagnosis is Asberger's Syndrome complicated by Fetal Alcohol Effects. Simply put, he is an autistic dwarf!
Raising these children has been the hardest, most challenging thing I've ever done. There are days that are harder than others. I'm tired and stressed. Knowing that our oldest may never be independent is scary. I'm angry at the bio parents for doing drugs and alcohol while she as pregnant. I feel overwhelmed and alone sometimes, but then one of the boys gives me a big hug and says "I love you Mom". It makes me remember to be thankful to be their Mom. I doubt that my hubby would agree, but if we had known about their issues in the beginning, I would have taken custody anyway. These kids need us. They have nobody else.

[isign4jesus]

My Grandson is seven, he has been living with us off and on his entire life, while my daughter finds a new guy, drags him with her, or leaves him behind, etc. We finally got permanent custody of him this year. He loves him Momma so much, it is so hard to see him miss her, She rarely calls, she moved to Kansas (three states away), and married the man that abused her infront of my Grandson. If my Grandson hadn't called 911 that day, after witnessing him mother being choked out, she might not be alive today. She has chosen to marry this man, and we have chosen to keep our Grandson safe, here with us. His biological dad ran off when he found out my daughter was pregnant, so he has never known his dad. He is worried about not being able to protect his Mother, and thinks she will get hurt if he isn't there, he misses her so much, he feels abandoned, his self esteem is down to nothing. He goes to a Play Therapist every week, has done so for a year, she is wonderful. His school is very very supportive of he and our family, they have gone above and beyond. Lately, he has expressed his concern of the other kids in his class having a mom and a dad, and not him, and he said he worries we will die, then where would he go? He asked this last night. I reassured him, but, this is so hard. How do I help this little boy feel loved and grow to be healthy and happy?

[specialmom]

I just accepted your friend request gladly.  Thank you.  I also answered your post in the pediatrics forum about my son and sensory.  Hope you have a great day dear!

[YaYa23453]

specialmom, I would like that. I know we have communicated before.  Could you give me some information on how to become friends as I tried this before and it did not work.  I think maybe I did something wrong.  Thank you for your help.