Mary Scheidegger became her grandson's full-time caregiver during her fifties-a life-altering moment that reshaped her understanding of family, identity, and resilience. She is the founder of GrandFamily World, an online community supporting grandparents and kinship caregivers. Through storytelling, advocacy, and peer connection, she helps families feel seen, supported, and less alone. Mary lives in Canada where she continues to raise her grandson, Issac, alongside her husband, Wes.
The love is ever present in your story. It mixed well with reality of the negative emotions we can experience mostly because of that love. Relating the loss of ""your old life"" and the loss of the 'retirement dreams you had' to the other more obvious 'losses' incurred and experienced by our family, friends, and neighbors is very important in this story. I already know a few people I will share this book with a.s.a.p. because I love them. Ed - grandparent In a nutshell - you nailed it!! It is well-written, easy to read, and so relatable. It touched my heart and made me cry - and that is something I don't do very often, at all. I can honestly say that I have never been so profoundly affected by a book before. Thank-you for writing this - it is truly a gift, and I know I will be referencing it time and again. P.S. I loved the Dedication, Acknowledgements, Preface and Notes to the Reader, which I have never said about a book before! Lynda - GrandRaiser of teens ""Reading your book has been more than eye-opening"" It has made me reflect deeply... What you've written is powerful, heartfelt, and truly needed. I truly enjoyed the read, and I hope other GrandFamily members will see what a treasure and gift your sharing is. Your honesty, courage, and love come through in every word. Monica - community support ""My heart got bounced around pretty much every page."" Ya, my heart got bounced around pretty much every page and periodically felt the tears welling up in my eyes (I can definitely be an emotional Sap!) ... but I definitely chuckled out loud at many of your quick wit comments! Your story is about Grandraisers. But it transcends to many life circumstances that can have both a 'noble cause' and a very draining, sole-searching downside. Ed - grandparent ""I absolutely loved it"" Your book was truly inspiring, educational, and I absolutely loved it. You are honest, open and vulnerable. Congratulations on such a beautiful offering that will help so many. Shari - GrandRaiser A very easy yet meaningful read that will leave the reader understanding they are not alone, that there are others out there feeling a lot of what they are feeling. This will validate and give them strength to keep putting one foot in front of the other. The little character stories allow the reader to feel connection and reinforce the message you are sending in each chapter. Kori - therapist