North Bay Elementary Holds Grandparents’ Day Breakfast
Michael and Lanee Ouellette are not just 7 year old, Malani’s, grandparents. After adopting her soon after she was born, they legally became her parents. Michael says, “We’re a little older. She keeps me alive, keeps me going, but I have difficulty keeping up with her because she’s pretty active.”
According to a 2010 census, Malani is just one of 4.9 million American children being raised by their grandparents. Lanee says you miss out of some of the perks of being just a grandmother when you have to be a parent as well. Lanee says, “Normally you can spoil them and send them home, but when you adopt them, you spoil them and you have the consequences all the time.”
The Ouellettes say juggling the two roles can be difficult, especially during special events like the Grandparents’ Day Breakfast at North Bay. Michael also says, “The reason that we’re even here is because last year, we did not come and she got upset because she doesn’t have any grandparents. So we said you know what, we’re going to play the role of parent and grandparent from now on and she can call us whatever she wants.”
While there are many challenges involved with doubling up as both parent and grandparent, the Ouellettes tell News 25 that it’s more rewarding than anything else. Lanee also says, “You get to spend 24/7 with them. You get to maybe correct things that you felt like you didn’t do right with your children.”
Malani knows her grandparents have adopted her and tells us she’s just happy to spend time with them. Malani says, “Because I love them.”
Just like so many others, Lanee and Michael Ouellette will continue to raise Malani as their own. A community-wide Adopt a Grandparent day is being planned for Saturday. United Way’s volunteer center is looking for people to spend one hour interacting with seniors. Those interested can sign up at www.marstonrogers.com.
Leave a Reply