9 replies to this topic

[littledugger]

At age 62 I never thought I would be in this position. And when assuming guardianship of my one and only grandson when he was only 6 DAYS old, I had no thoughts of doing this by myself. But a little over a year ago, (November, 2004) my wife died from colon cancer. So here I am. I'm not looking for either sympathy or a shoulder to cry on. I'm just trying to generate a forum to exchange ideas on parenting skills for grandparents. You see, I don't feel like a very GRAND parent. I'm just out of the loop when it comes to being a MOM and a dad. Any takers?
I've been on JC for about 3 months with a weight loss of 26 pounds. What got me started was the realization that ME, MYSELF and I am the only link my grandson has with security in this world. There never has been a father, not even on the birth certificate. His mother had, and continues to have drug problems and has had her parental rights revoked legally. And now with his only grandmother gone, I'm in this up to my eyeballs. Again I'm not looking for sympathy, just stating the facts. So when a dear friend was having great success on JC, I asked him to "sell" me on the program. He said, "It's simple. Just follow the planned menu and watch the weight fall off and you will feel better." BOY, WAS HE RIGHT!!!
Anyway, I look forward to hearing from any and all.
Doug

[Hibiscus]

Wow, I think you are a wonderful man to raise your grandson on your own! I am sorry to hear about the loss of your wife and that your daughter is having problems. I love that you made a decision to take incredible care of yourself and have already had success with JC. Good for you! Your grandson is so fortunate to have you and the two of you will share an incredble journey together.
I have an 8 yr old daughter and live in NYC. I have been a single parent since 1999 and I am currently engaged to the man of my dreams... At first single parenting was definately a challenge. But then it gets easier and I'm sure you know how children just help us keep our feet on the ground. They need us to provide them with love,laughs and protection mixed with patience, guidence and security, yet they teach us so much about life and ourselves. The relationship we have with children keeps us young at heart and you sound like you are doing a great job! Let me know how I can support you and I will check your posts.

[littledugger]

What a way you have with words! They bring real comfort and solace just when I need it. There are times when I feel so inadequate as a parent/grandparent. But you are right -- children do indeed keep one's feet on the ground. Just hearing from ones who KNOW the travails of single parenting is comforting. Thanks for your comments.
Here's hoping that you find half the measure of joy and happiness that my wife and I discovered in 40 years of marriage. Your fiance is going to be rewarded with such a sensitive person as you. Thanks again for your support.
Doug

[littledugger]

Well, while I thought I might be starting a forum for single dads out there, it seems there are not too many around who are on this program or they are "computer-challenged" to the point of not commenting. So I will be ending this area of discussion. Thanks for your input, Hibiscus. See ya'.
Doug

[clogginmoose]

Hi Doug
I actually work with lots of Grandparents parenting again.I am a Canadian and work for public health in a program called Healthy Babies Healthy Children.We work with parents and Grandparents who are looking for help with parenting. We help parents to link with community resources and programs in the community that will help them reach their full potential as parents.I have lots of ideas I can pass on to you if your interested and perhaps could even help you find a parenting group in what ever part of the world it is you live in. They call me "the resource Queen".Glad to hear your've joined JC and that you are so committed to doing the best for you and your grandson. I'd be more than willing to help support you in your weight loss aswell as with ideas for healthy growth and development of your grandson.And remember to just listen in queit moments and you'll hear your wife whisper the answers to the questions you ask in your heart about what to do next.Her spirit willlive on in you forever.
Respectfully Yours- Cloggin Moose (Jan)

[littledugger]

Hello up there in the "Frozen Tundra."
The manner in which you describe your resources sounds like it's worth exploring. I'm situated down here in North Carolina. You probably can't answer one of my questions due to your being in Canada, but since I have "legal custody" of my grandson, I wonder if there is any legal advantage to adoption. It just seems this would be more secure as far as his future is concerned. And, by the way, I often find myself pondering, "What would SHE do in this situation?" If you don't mind emailing me, I'll give you my email address. And I assure you it will be only for the purpose stated herein. Just let me know through this posting if you are comfortable with this and I'll put it in here for you. If not, just keep me informed through this channel. I'll look forward to seeing what resources that you know about might be available down here in the "States."
Thanks again.
Doug
P.S.
Interesting moniker you use, "clogginmoose"

[clogginmoose]

Sure Doug , any way I can support you.
E-mail away. Repectfully-cloggin moose

[clogginmoose]

Well it's offical this morning.I'm a guenuine Jenny Craig member now. I signed up ,got my food and am ready to get started! Whoo-hoo,Skinny minny here I come!
It's a very COLD day here in my part of Canada and expecting a snow storm with 15-20 cm of snow tonight.I get lots of exercise tomorrow shoveling all that white stuff-LOL
Talk to all of you again soon-Respectfully Cloggin Moose

[littledugger]

For 'clogginmoose'
My email address is:
dmailman@bellsouth.net.
And I definitely look forward to any avenue to which you can point me. Sorry for not responding sooner. Keeping up the home and running errands behind a 6 year-old keeps me on the move. I just now got back to my computer.
I was sick last week and didn't go for my weigh-in which is on Wed, afternoon. I got off the diet and exercise and consequently gained 4.4 pounds for the two weeks. But, believe it or not, I have already lost those 4 pounds. I'm actually looking forward to my next weigh-in on Wed.
Sincerely, Doug

[clogginmoose]

Hi Doug
Sorry to hear you were under the wheather,but glad to hear your feeling better and back on track. Good for you for losing those 4lbs!I'll e-mail you tomorrow,It's getting late and today was my first day on Jenny food,so I need to go to bed so I don't cheat.If I'm sleeping I'm not eating-LOL talk to you soon.
Respectfully- clogginmoose