Have you found yourself unexpectedly raising your grandchildren after a family tragedy, feeling lost in a system that seems impossible to navigate? Are you carrying the immense weight of grief while advocating for the children you love? Do you wish for a community that understands the unique challenges faced by kinship caregivers and offers guidance, not judgment? The struggle of turning personal pain into a force for change can feel lonely and overwhelming.

I’m Laura Brazan, and I know firsthand what it means to step up for your grandchildren in the face of heartbreak. In this episode of “Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity,” we sit down with Michigan State Representative Jamie Thompson—a full-time grandmother, licensed practical nurse, and professional doula—who transformed the loss of her daughter into a powerful fight for policy reform. Together with co-host Craig Nash, we share honest conversations about the emotional, legal, and financial hurdles kinship families face, and the victories possible when we refuse to give up.

Each week, we bring you courageous stories from grandfamilies, expert advice on trauma-informed childrearing, and practical resources to empower you on this journey. Join our supportive community as we rewrite the narrative for our grandchildren, strengthen our voices, and find hope even in adversity.

Tune in and discover you’re not alone—together, we are building a stronger future for kinship families everywhere.

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In this special pre-roll segment, I’m sharing a moving letter from a member of our community, Laurel. Her story of loss, resilience, and raising her grandson after the unthinkable is a raw reminder that none of us are walking this path alone.

We want to hear from you. If Laurel’s story resonates with you, or if you have a journey of your own to share, join our private community. Your story might be the exact lifeline someone else needs to hear today. 

Thank you for tuning into today's episode. It's been a journey of shared stories, insights, and invaluable advice from the heart of a community that knows the beauty and challenges of raising grandchildren. Your presence and engagement mean the world to us and to grandparents everywhere stepping up in ways they never imagined.

Remember, you're not alone on this journey. For more resources, support, and stories, visit our website and follow us on our social media channels. If today's episode moved you, consider sharing it with someone who might find comfort and connection in our shared experiences.

We look forward to bringing more stories and expert advice your way next week. Until then, take care of yourselves and each other.

Want to be a guest on Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Nurturing Through Adversity? Send Laura Brazan a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/grg

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