Vol. 4, No. 1 • Fall 1999

Grandma, Why are You Sad?

Grandma seemed sad, and I asked her �Why?�

She said she was a little tired today and that she missed
my Mommy.

Grandma holds me all the time and tells me this is how
she held my Mom.

She always shows me pictures of years ago and explains
about the days when Mom was little like me.

Grandma said that it was fun to always remember good times, and she makes me laugh with all her stories about my Mom.

She tells me that sometimes she is sad because Mom doesn�t understand her decisions and concern when it comes to raising me while Mom is solving some problems.

But no matter what . . . I will always love my Grandma because, no matter what . . . she�ll always love my Mom.

This poem was submitted by a grandmother with the following comment: �These are important feelings that all foster grandparents must feel, that I tried to put into words. A child�s bond must not be broken with �Mom,� and believe me, I would die before trying to do it or let anyone else do it . . . What an effort at times! But, if a mom is sincere and really trying, then she should be helped along the way . . . and the child should not suffer in the process. This makes me a special grandma, right? Tough, but well worth it!�

From Fostering Illinois. Illinois Department of Child and Family Services, Chicago, IL. Reprinted with permission.

Copyright � 2000 Jordan Institute for Families