Marlene’s daughter has bounced around the streets for decades. Marlene and her husband, Dwight, have custody of her daughter’s children. To make matters more complicated and beautiful, these grandchildren are not Dwight’s biological grandchildren. Dwight and Marlene found each other later in life. Dwight has cared for these grandchildren as his own. He chauffeurs them around. He also bought a car and fixed it so that the oldest grandson has a vehicle to drive during his college years.

I have never heard Dwight complain, roll his eyes, or shoot an exasperated look to suggest to Marlene, “These are your grandkids.” And as a family they are thriving. Marlene has been an advocate for getting each child into various schools and programs so that they can succeed.

Marlene and Dwight have transitioned from the role of grandparents to parents because that’s what circumstances have called for. It wasn’t their plan, but they have formed a family that is a gift to each other.

Whom has God brought into your life because circumstances have required a different way of being? Where have you been called to be a surrogate parent, brother, sister, child, or friend? May God bless those relationships!