I’ve been a grandmother now for almost seven years and I currently have three precious little people who call me “Nana.” Although I have always known how important grandparents are in the life of their grandchildren, I didn’t realize just how much until recently.

My grandchildren are having a very rough time right now as their parents deal with some marriage problems. Due to the nature and severity of these issues, their parents will soon be getting divorced and my grandchildren will begin to have a whole new set of problems to add to the ones they already have.

Since I work from my home, I am able to help out by watching the children while their mother works. I am there to give them hugs when they are upset about things that are happening and to give them an ear when they choose to share something with me.

When I was younger, I never imagined the types of things my grandchildren might have to face in their young lives or thought about the fact that I might play such an active role in their care.

If you’re someone who feels discouraged about getting older, just remember that there will always be a next generation who needs you, whether it’s your own grandchildren or other young people that you interact with in your life. You can give them that encouragement, that shoulder to cry on, that ear to listen when no one else can because as a grandparent (or surrogate one) you play a very special role. You are able to unconditionally love these children in a way that they often more readily accept than that of their own parents.