She Wolf Loc: Currently Georgia

Two days ago, I got a call from the United States Army. It would appear my Nephew, who was wounded in Afghanistan, is still unable to travel. As he lies in hospital in Germany, more sorrow has touched his family. His wife was k**led in an automobile wreck in Kentucky, leaving his eighteen month old son alone. My Nephew apparently asked the army to contact me.

My first thought, I am ashamed to say was: "I'm sixty years old, have MS, and am pretty damn set in my ways." Thank God that thought was fleeting. My next thought was my Nephew must really trust me to send his baby to live with me.

Little Mika arrived yesterday. His room was decorated by my Granddaughter. I sent my daughter to find out from our neighbor exactly how this Santa thing works. His Mom had purchased most of his toys and they were sent with him. I needed a tree quick. My neighbors helped out.

I was very worried how this little man would feel living with people he didn't really know. He cried for his Mom but I expected that. After hours of being hopelessly spoiled by a family devoid of babies for 15 years, he settled down. I know he must be scared but he is such a sweet,loving child.

I am terrified I will make mistakes. It has been a very long time since I have had a baby in the house. Mika is blood which in this family means he will get the very best we have to offer. I am humbled by the trust my wonderful Nephew has in me. No way I'm letting him down.

As I watch this beautiful blond, blue eyed, little man sleep, I make a promise to my God. Wh**ever it takes I will give this little person all the love he could possibly need until his Dad can come home.

AuntiE Loc: 45th Least Free State

It goes beyond your nephew trusting you. It declares to all your nephew respects you and believes you are the right person to provide all his baby needs.

Besides a tree, try and find a stocking, put the baby's name on it and find appropriate (18 month old) stocking gifts. They can be inexpensive. Maybe a small stuffed toy, or such as that.

May God heal your nephew quickly and bring him home to you and his baby soon.

You are a wonderful example to all.

She Wolf Loc: Currently Georgia

Thank you. I appreciate the stocking tip and any others you might know about. I am not good at these Christmas things. Mika's mother was Catholic so I suppose I will have to learn a great deal.

bahmer

Amen. The Lord works miracles in our lives and you may not fully understand all that is happening right now but the Lord will reveal it to you as you go on. You are a wonderful example to all of your family and friends alike. You may also be surprised at a level of youthfulness returning to you as you watch over this precious child.

AuntiE Loc: 45th Least Free State

Safety tips:

1. Buy electrical outlet socket fillers for outlets with nothing plugged into them.
2. Buy cabinet and drawer locks. They have special ones to use when little people are in the house.
3. Move all medications to a small lockable container and place on a high shelf.
4. If you have steps, buy a gate for the top and bottom.
5. Check a dollar store for toddler size spoons, cute little plates and sippy cups.

On to fun. If you have time, see if you can find somewhere to put Mika's name on a toddler plate and cup before Christmas. It will be something all his own in a new place. One toy for the stocking could be a soft rollable ball. I left one lower cabinet without a lock and kept plastic containers in it, as well as some small blocks and other toys. ProgenyE would pull them out and play with them while I did kitchen chores.

no propaganda please Loc: moon orbiting the third rock from the sun

God will give you the needed strength. Our prayers are with you and the child.
NPP and SWMBO

JMHO Loc: Utah

God bless you and your family, and may your Christmas be merry and bright.

She Wolf Loc: Currently Georgia

I must admit, I was very concerned about caring for this little angel. My health is not that great. My daughter said to me,"Mom you must not think very highly of me if you think I would not step up should you need help. Mika is a gift from God and he will be treated as such." I did something right with that kid. Maybe there is hope after all.

bahmer

We all know you did something right when your daughter responds like that. God will be with you and he will bring others to help as needed all you do is supply the love.

AuntiE Loc: 45th Least Free State

OBVIOUSLY, you did something right. The proof is your nephew entrusting you to care for his child in these circumstances.

Had enough

I found raising my Granddaughter to be one of the greatest gifts I could ever receive. She came to spend her first night with me at 4 days old, and moved in at 2 months of age. I adopted her at 4yrs of age. My daughter is soon to be 20yrs. old. The blessings began immediately and have never ended!! It's different raising a baby when your older. All the doubts and fears we have when we are young are gone. You'll find yourself young again and feeling better in no time. I pray your nephew has a speedy recovery and will be home soon. I am also sorry for your loss. I also hope you enjoy the pleasures brought by an unexpected visitor. You'll never regret this opportunity when you look back on it in time.

Word of advice, put your breakables and other treasures out of reach.

Blacksheep

Christmas to me is all about the spirit of giving. It's one day when we allow ourselves to be happy and hopefully, want others to be happy.
This is a wonderful opportunity for you to start a Christmas tradition that you've never had before, from what you say. Here you are, 60 years old and getting older. Would you like it if it became a tradition for your family to gather at your home on Christmas Day each year? Wouldn't that be great? And your daughter can help prepare the Christmas feast if she wants, and maybe if you have room, those who live far away can stay over in a spare room? You could watch that little boy grow up, you can be closer to your family than ever......

You haven't just been handed a child to raise for awhile, you've been given a golden opportunity to unite your family, and to have them around you for at least one day a year as you venture into old age, and beyond.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

She Wolf, it would appear to me as well as others that Little Mika is in loving and capable hands. :thumbup: :wink:

Both you and he are Blessed.

She Wolf Loc: Currently Georgia

Thank you all for the kind words. I feel a little more at ease having gotten all your advice. I really appreciate your taking time out of your day to help this old broad feel more at ease. THANK YOU.

PaulPisces Loc: San Francisco

What an incredible, full heart you must have! This is the kind of love the world needs more of. In the midst of loss and sorrow you've found a way to summon the very best in yourself. I'm impressed, and although I am not what anyone would call a "praying" man, I will keep you and your family in my heart. Your example is a Christmas gift to us all!