“Foster Grandparent”
by Senior Corps volunteer Juanita Davis

Each day when I awake
I know the road I’m taking
To fulfill my needs and others
And the difference I am making.
I rush off to see the children
And start an interesting day.
I’ll listen with my heart and mind
To all they have to say.
They show appreciation
With a hug and so much more.
This fills my life with happiness
What else could I ask for?
I know I make a difference
And it makes my life worthwhile
To be a Foster Grandparent
To a very special child.

At age 81, I frequently look back on the many things I’ve accomplished during those years. My many God-given talents and raising six children, with the help of my husband, have kept me quite busy. I always somehow find myself in a position where there are children, from the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts to school activities, Sunday school, home care, and teaching children how to cook.

After all my children became school age, I started working in hospitals, nursing homes, and some home care. Of course, there’s a time when your age affects holding down a job. The younger generation takes over and we move on. I knew I had to find something to do, so I started searching and I came across a notice in the local paper saying, “Wanted—male or female, age 60 or older, who wants to make a difference in a child’s life.”

That’s me! No doubt about it!  

I called the number listed and, in no time, a nice gentleman came to talk to me. As we were talking, I was silently praying, “Lord, please let me do this.” Another few weeks passed and I found myself doing what I love to do.

I have been a Senior Corps Foster Grandparent for 17 years. What a joy it is to see the progress children make because I cared enough to get involved. I found satisfaction, laughter, memories, better health, and financial help. To be met at the door each morning and greeted by children with a hug makes a perfect way to start the day. 

Our school is what I call a family-oriented school. The staff is so pleasant and grateful that the Foster Grandparents are there.  There is always a “Thank you for helping,” or “We appreciate you so much.” Children look forward to seeing Grammie. If I miss a day of school, they always say, “I missed you. Can you help me?” It gives me a special feeling and, at the end of the year, I can look back at the progress they made, smile, and say to myself, “I was a part of this.”  

I don’t think you could find a more perfect place to be than in a school making a difference in the future of our children.