New Zealander of the Year for Community 2010. Awarded by North and South Magazine
My husband, who is an American and I had retired to a little cottage in up State New York. We received a call in January 2007 informing us that our youngest granddaughter was in hospital as she had swallowed a small camera battery. A division of the Ministry of Social Development, Child Youth & Family held a Family Group Conference, in April 2007 and we came out to New Zealand to attend that as well as visiting family and friends. It was agreed that our granddaughter was in need of care and protection due to the mother’s mental disabilities caused by alcohol and drugs.
A division of the Ministry of Social Development, Child Youth & Family held a Family Group Conference, in April 2007 and we came out to New Zealand to attend that as well as visiting family and friends. It was agreed that our granddaughter was in need of care and protection due to the mother’s mental disabilities caused by alcohol and drugs.
Our granddaughter was 2 ½ at the time and would barely speak a word. In two weeks we had her knowing her colours, counting to ten and she was well on her way to matching her peers at every level.
After being in our care since then, we have bubbly, happy, contented little girl, certainly not the sad little one that first came to be with us and is now more than equal with her peers.
We on the other hand, have gone through much anxiety, concern about our financial circumstances and our general well being. I have started this website because my experience tells me that there is an urgent need for people in similar circumstances to find support and fellowship.
I hope that you will share your experiences both sad and joyful on this site which will encourage others to gain insight and comfort.
Sally Kabak
I've carried babies within my body, slept with them on my chest, kissed boo boos, mended broken hearts, been thrown up on, peed & pooped on & spent many nights in a rocking chair & been anxious & worried waiting for a fever to break. I WOULDN'T have it any other way. My body isn't magazine perfect, but when I look in the mirror I see a grandma & there is no greater honor or blessing than being a Grandma.
GRAND Magazine has given this special award in recognitionfor being among the 12 top Blog Sites for 2010.
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Raising a 7 year old granddaughter I am always looking for new items to stimulate her, with that in mind I have created a wonderful shopping experience for you. My online shop offers a vast range of books, DVDs, toys, games, clothes, play stations, cameras and much more. You will find links to other sites that offer educational games, making your own teddy bear, books new and used. With Christmas nearly here my shop can become your one stop shop for all your children's need and you don't even have to leave your house.
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