I was reminded this morning of Michael Jacksons’ song entitled ‘You are not alone.’
This is the phrase I always say to grandparents when they contact me, all grandparents who are estranged from their grandchildren think they are alone, that, this is happening only to them they feel isolated and totally alone.
Within BGSG there are many grandparents who are giving their time and empathy to others, a simple act of sending an email or a phone call to someone who is having a bad day really is invaluable.
At some time in out lives we all find we need support, the hardest thing is asking for help.
I know of grandparents who have walked around for 6 months with our contact details in their pocket before they take that first step and ring or email.
What happens next is extraordinary, they become part of BGSG and are able to at last talk to others who truly understand how they feel, they are not talking to someone who has never experienced estrangement, or someone who is employed to answer a phone or email, members of BGSG are real people, people who just know.
If you are reading this thinking shall I call or email, please take that first step, we are here for you, you will never be alone again.
Jane