When most people think of adoption, they imagine a child who’s lovingly brought into the home of outsiders who’ve come to care for them. But there is one group who is often overlooked in the larger public dialogue around adoption: grandparents.

When a child is removed from his or her home, the goal is to keep them in spaces that are as familiar and comfortable as possible. For many families, this means that grandparents are next in line as a potential candidate for adoption.

Lutheran Services Florida has many stories of people who have stepped in to care for their grandchildren, making whatever sacrifices are necessary to bring them into a warm and loving home during an otherwise difficult transition.

One story is about a grandmother named Martha*. She stepped in to adopt four of her grandchildren (ages 2-7) when their mother was tragically murdered. Initially, Martha was dismissed as a potential candidate because her home didn’t have the space to care for the children. But she spent months making arrangements and adjustments to her life and her home to accommodate her grandchildren. And once the second home study was completed, she was approved. Martha was thrilled. And while her grandchildren had a long road of healing ahead, they knew they could do it with the help of their grandmother by their side.

Another story of grandparent adoption is about Tanya*. Tanya’s grandson, Michael*, was at risk for kidney failure and medical issues weren’t being properly cared for in his home. His parents’ rights were terminated, and Michael’s grandparents stepped in.

Despite having modest income, they moved from out of state to be with him, eager to do whatever was necessary to create a home for Michael. Soon, his physical condition improved dramatically, and his grades improved as well.

“We always want to keep children with people who make them feel safe, people that they know,” says Norman Williams, LSF child welfare case manager in Ft. Myers. “Sometimes it doesn’t work out, but in many cases, these kids feel right at home. It is truly amazing, beautiful and moving to see grandparents make great sacrifices to take them in out of their love for the child, even if they are related.”

These grandparents make financial sacrifices. They change their schedules. They work patiently to help their grandchildren adjust to new rules and structure. They do all of this out of love.

And during National Adoption Month, we recognize their commitment and sacrifice.