KPCC Seasons Givings

My daughter has taught me the meaning of giving and personal involvement. As a working mother, frankly, I never had much time to think much beyond keeping everything organized for my family. When my daughter Allison finished her degree in Human Services, she became the Assistant Director of the Santa Monica Westside YWCA Transistional Living Program. That's quite a mouthful, but it means that the YWCA provides housing for young women emancipated from foster care who want to continue their education so as to become self-supporting adults. Most of them attend Santa Monica College.

What I didn't know was what the emotional needs of a foster child are. Slowly, over the years, I have stopped being just "Allison's Mom," and am now "GG" the house grandma. This may mean providing emergancy repairs to a graduation gown for a AA degree ceremony; providing embroidered pillowcases to go with the girls' quilts that they earn by finishing the program (thereby providing a personal handmade item to girls who may have never had anything made just for them); giving grandma wisdom to one who is having a hard time finding her way; or helping with fund raising. I am an amateur watercolorist, and from time to time we have an "Art for the House" show & sale. It's a little extra money to meet the unexpected needs of the program.

What I have received in return? The pleasure of having some of these young women continue in my life and the activities of my family. I have several "granddaughters" that will be in my life forever now. I can count on them when I have a need; they can count on me for school advice, a home for Christmas activities, fun lunches, and phone calls.

My family is growing in the most pleasant way. It isn't seasonal, but year 'round.

~ From Faye in Los Angeles