A Santa Cruz postpartum doula, a New Hampshire flute-maker, a Zen
teacher, a dance therapist, a Sri Lankan film director--these are a few
of the grandparents who share their stories in this bracing collection.
The essays cover a wide range of experiences as they examine the marrow
of this often undervalued relationship from both the grandparent and the
grandchild point of view. A common thread running throughout is the
special importance of these relationships, which are often as complex
and rewarding as the parent-child connection.
Wondrous Child is divided into four parts. In Part One, "Settling In,"
new grandparents survey the territory and describe their expectations.
Part Two, "Balancing Reality and Hope," takes a deeper look at some of
the heartbreak that can occur, as well as complexities:
step-grandparenting, spanning geographical distance, the surprise of
children living with grandparents. Part Three, "Grandparents Raising
Grandchildren," explores men and women parenting their grandchildren in
the absence of parents. Part Four, "Grandchildren Remember" is written
by grown grandchildren who catch the tone and feeling of this special
person in their life. These vivid essays will appeal to both
grandparents, as a celebration of their place in the family, and new
parents curious about how grandparents can contribute to their children.
