Grandparents

[briezysmommy]

   Is being a grandparent a right or a privilege that can be taken away? 

  In my family's case, being a grandparent is neither a right or a privilege. It is an honor. When I told my mother at 18 years of age that I was pregnant, it came as a complete shock. Not only to her, whom I lived with at the time, but also to myself and boyfriend! I called my father, who lives inFlorida, and told him as well. Both of my parents were disappointed, but I could tell that they also were thrilled. My parents tried to conceive for 10 years before having me. I ended up being their only child because it was so difficult for them. When my daughter was born, I was 19 years old. In the birthing room with me was Kyle, my boyfriend of 6 years, and my Mother. She was completely honored to be in the room with us to share that experience. We lived with her for 6 months after my daughter was born, and she was the perfect grandmother. She didn't go out and spend a bunch of money, or try and take over and raise Brie her own way. She helped very much, but respected our every decision at the same time. Now, she and her granddaughter have a very special and loving relationship.

  Our scenario fits our family, and I believe that in other situations, it can be completely different. Say, for example, a person does not want their parent in their life, for whatever reason. I believe that parent should still have a right to be their grandchild's grandparent. That is a family bond that I don't believe should be robbed from someone unnecessarily. In a different example, say that a parent wants their child to have grandparents, but the grandparent just can't respect the parents wishes. I also believe in this case, that if a grandparent isn't respectful or tries taking over in parenting, that the right can be suspended or taken away. Each case is different, and I'm just happy that I'm lucky enough to be in the best there is.