!!! Calling All Grandparents Raising Grandchildren !!!

If you're also raising your child's child; I have a website just for us! It's private so only we see what we write. It's an off-shoot of "The Addict's Mom-Sharing Without Shame" called G2G. Every day, it seems there are new members and the numbers are quickly increasing. We all seem to share the same story. Like The Addict's Mom, this new site is just as supportive and welcoming AND it is geared specifically for us grandmother mothers (and grandfather fathers)!

JUST VENTING A BIT....

My husband, Stu is retiring in November (that's a whole other story about how I'm feeling about that!). Anyway, I retired from my job when Brady was an infant to take care of him so my daughter could work. Brady is now 9-1/2 and I'm his only mother -which I wouldn't trade for the world. Stu has worked hard our married life and gets to retire, which he definitely deserves.  He plans to play golf, take piano lessons, whatever he'd like. If I was truly retired, I could also do desired activities within reason and without explanation. But I can't because I have to get a babysitter to cover my time away. Stu will do it but with a schedule and restrictions. I want to audition for two overlapping shows because the parts in them are dream parts. That means I'm gone 3 -maybe 4- nights a week for a few months. If I was retired I'd have that freedom with no questions asked. But, I'm raising a child. Consequently, I have to lean on Stu if I want to "feel" retired. I'll be in this position until Brady's off to college. By then, there'll be no stage roles for someone that age. Waaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!

WooHoo!!!!! FIVE MORE STARS! I'll take 'em!!!!

5.0 out of 5 stars Fifth Child by Lynne R. Gassel, October 8, 2013

By 

abeseidman - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Fifth Child: The Turbulent Path That Led to Parenting Our Child's Child (Paperback)

A most interesting saga of what so many families are enduring in these modern times. It gives understanding to a problem that is plaguing our society. Recommend this reading to all so that your approach to people involved enables you to almost experience their deliberations. Definitely a must read.

May I Suggest, Again?

"The Addict's Mom-Sharing Without Shame" has an NEW additional site called "The Addict's Mom 911." Please check it out. It's an educational site with Podcasts, etc. by professionals. Being educated about this baffling horrific disease of addiction is so important. Please support the site whether you've been touched by this disease or not.

SAVE THE DATE IF YOU'RE IN OC

   I'm doing a Book Signing on Wednesday, October 30 from 10AM-NOON at the OC Jewish Arts Festival at Merage JCC, 1 Federation Way, Irvine, CA.
   The best part is I'm before the wonderful author, Naomi Ragen, who will be there to talk about her newest book at NOON.
   Please bring your already purchased book and I'll happily sign it or you can purchase one from me to be signed.

The Golden Years

What would I do if I was like other seniors my age?
* I'd have a glass of wine with my husband and leisurely discuss the day's events and worldly news. Instead, I'm discussing the regions of California for geography and helping to round off numbers for math.
* I could lazily sleep in during the week. Instead, I'm making breakfast, packing a lunch box and walking Brady to school.
* I'd be able to go out during the week as many times as I'd like. Instead, I have to make sure my husband's available and willing to stay home with our child, without him feeling I'm taking advantage.
* I could take off for a few days and go away with girlfriends without a second thought. Instead, I'm making sure he is off to school on time and that I'm back by mid-day to walk him home.
* I would go out with my husband on the weekend any time I wanted. Instead, I have to hire a sitter for a specific time or utilize Kids Night Out and schedule our date night accordingly.
* I could plan a romantic trip to Europe. Instead, I have to plan trips for three.
* I could quietly enjoy a game of Scrabble with my husband. Instead, I'm fighting off Nerf bullets and accessing video games on the computer.
* I would join an evening book club. Instead, I'm reading to Brady and having him read to me.

While I'm dreaming about all these "what ifs"; I hear the most beautiful heart-felt laughter coming from the other room. It's Brady. I wouldn't have that if I had these other things and I wouldn't want it any other way. These ARE the golden years. They're just glowing in a different way...

ANOTHER REVIEW...ANOTHER 5 STARS...YIPPEE!

5.0 out of 5 stars

A must read for addicts and non-addicts alike!, October 5, 2013

By 

Daniel Werlinsky - See all my reviews

(REAL NAME)

This review is from: Fifth Child: The Turbulent Path That Led to Parenting Our Child's Child (Paperback)

This book is packed with emotion. I laughed, I cried, and many times I was in shock. I highly recommend this book to people who are addicts, so they can get an insight on how they affect the people that surround them, and themselves. Lynne R. Gassel makes herself completely vulnerable, while exposing all of the skeletons in her family's closets.

This is also a great book for parents to read in general! There are many learning experiences inside this book that are helpful for raising children. All in all, this is an excellent read and if you are debating on getting it, I suggest you buy it.