In 1998, Dana and Kevelin Kinamore found themselves unexpectedly taking on the responsibility of raising two of their grandchildren.
“While we are truly thankful that we were in a position to be able to raise our grandchildren, I would be lying if I told you it hasn’t been challenging,” said Dana Kinamore. “To know that our daughter was in town and wanted nothing to do with her children was painful. We certainly didn’t raise her to act like this.
“It was hurtful to see our grandchildren hold on to the hope that one day their mom would return for them. Friends started asking, ‘Where are your parents? Why do your grandparents come to everything?’ Our grandchildren were embarrassed.”
There are about 4 million children living in the United States in a home where grandparents or other relatives take primary responsibility for raising them. And while most relative caregivers like the Kinamores say they’re thankful they can be there to help, the issues of finances, education, work, health and housing are very real with few resources available to assist them in their efforts.
“When we took our grandchildren in, the only real resource we knew we had was our oldest son and our other daughter,” said Dana Kinamore. “They stepped up to the plate and assisted us financially, emotionally and physically. They were and are our respite care.”