Held by Grace: A Grandmother's Unexpected Journey

Date: October 19, 2025

Introduction: Life often takes unexpected turns, and at 57, I find myself in a season I never anticipated—becoming a foster grandmother to sweet Ryder. Though it’s been filled with sleepless nights and challenges, it’s also brought unimaginable joy and purpose. Through it all, God’s grace has carried me, His strength has sustained me, and His blessings have shone through in the smallest, most sacred moments. This journey has taught me to trust Him fully and embrace the beauty in the unexpected.

Life has an extraordinary way of surprising us, doesn't it? At 57, I truly thought my days of midnight feedings, piles of diapers, and baby bottles scattered everywhere were long behind me. But here I am—a foster grandma to the sweetest baby boy, Ryder, embarking on a journey I never anticipated. It’s been emotional, unpredictable, and at times overwhelming, but it has turned into one of the most profound blessings of my life. Today, I want to reflect on this unexpected chapter and share how my faith has become the foundation carrying me through it all.

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

My Reflection: This verse emphasizes that even in unexpected and surprising turns in life, God has a purpose and a plan for our journey, often leading to blessings we could never have anticipated. It has helped to strengthen my faith and to trust in the unexpected while taking in all the joys of having Ryder.

The truth is plain and simple—I'm no longer in my prime. My body doesn’t let me forget it either. After years battling chronic pain, even everyday routines can feel like an uphill climb. Yet somehow, this tiny baby has ignited a new strength within me. His needs, though a lot to manage, have motivated me. Focusing on his little milestones has become a beautiful distraction from my struggles, and even on tougher days, I’ve noticed unexpected improvement in how I feel. It’s as if God’s grace has poured into my soul right when I’ve needed it most. He always seems to know exactly when to step in and renew my spirit. His timing is, as always, perfect that way.

Isaiah 40:31

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint."

My Reflection:  This verse promises the renewal of strength and spirit I’ve truly experienced through God’s grace, even amidst all my physical challenges. It proves that God does step in at the perfect moment to uplift and empower me, giving me the energy and hope I need to carry on and keep moving forward.

That said, stepping into this role has not been without its struggles. Let me tell you—this little guy isn’t exactly what you’d call laid-back. Colic has made many nights sleepless for all of us, and shedding tears together has become part of our routine at times! Every day feels like navigating a puzzle as we try to figure out what might soothe his cries. Swaddling? It’s a must and immediately calms and settles him. However, if the swing is not swinging fast enough it’s game on. Who would’ve known? Through all this trial and error, two important lessons have stood out: the need for boundless patience and unrelenting prayer.

Romans 12:12

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

My Reflection: This verse reflects God’s promise to us of patience, perseverance, and prayer I need as I navigate the challenges of caring for Ryder. It serves as a reminder to remain steadfast in faith, even during sleepless nights and moments of trial.

One powerful thing this new season has reminded me of is that we are never meant to live life alone. I simply couldn’t do this on my own—and thankfully, God saturated my life with incredible support just when I needed it. Ryder’s Mom and Dad have been nothing short of amazing, stepping in and being here daily to care for their precious little boy. And then there’s my rock, Grandma Robison (whom everyone lovingly calls Nunnie). Her regular support has been fundamental—from tackling occasional overnight stays to running errands and being the taxi service for Mom and Dad. She is supporting us all in our moments of doubt. God knew what He was doing when He placed these incredible blessings—my family—right by my side. Together, as a collective team, we’ve formed the village every baby truly needs. More than I can express, I hold immense gratitude to be surrounded by them.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."

My Reflection: This verse has never had more importance to me as it does right now. It tells all of us the importance of community and support, emphasizing how God places people in our lives to uplift and strengthen us during challenging seasons. It provides truth in the gratitude for the family and village God has provided to help all of us care for Ryder.

There is no sugarcoating the fact these demands add strain, especially financially. Let’s be real -babies don’t come cheap. Feeding him, providing supplies, tackling necessary repairs like fixing my broken wheelchair lift van—these financial challenges have piled up. However, God’s gentle whisper reminds me every time: “Trust Me.” And even when things get overwhelming, He provides. By His abundant grace, we have made it through so far. And I trust that by that same grace, we always will.

Philippians 4:19

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus."

My Reflection: We trust in God's provision and faithfulness, even during financial strain and overwhelming challenges. It can be exceedingly difficult for us to have faith and trust in God's grace to provide for our needs and carry us through difficult times. There are so many unknowns, and we tend to allow worry to overtake and consume us if we allow it.

But even though it hasn’t been easy, there’s a tenderness about this season of my life that outweighs every challenge. Watching my sweet grandson begin to explore the world, every tiny yawn, every little smile (yes, even the ones caused by gas! And this lil man has some gas, let me tell you)—fills my days with a joy I cannot adequately express. When he lets out a gentle coo or rests against my chest, the exhaustion suddenly feels worth it. Each tiny, sacred moment with him reminds me: this is part of God’s perfect design. These are the gifts of love and purpose He’s laid out for me and all of us.

James 1:17

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

My Reflection: To me this verse emphasizes that the joy, love, and purpose I feel in these precious moments with Ryder are the promised gifts from God. All these blessings, even amid challenges, are part of His perfect plan for my life and all of those in Ryder’s life.

So here I am—a 57-year-old Nanna adjusting to unpredictable nights, laundry that never ends, and an abundance of baby chaos. This isn’t the life I imagined myself living at this stage. Yet, strangely enough, I wouldn't trade these imperfectly perfect moments for anything—not even the peaceful days of my past. Those small hands wrapping around mine and the little reminders of God’s hand in all of this have profoundly reshaped how I view every struggle and joy. I have come to realize that some of the toughest seasons lift us to receive God’s most cherished blessings.

Romans 8:28

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

My Reflection: Always remember that even the unexpected and challenging seasons of our lives are part of God’s greater plan, bringing about profound blessings and reshaping our perspective on struggles and joys. It also reminds us that God’s hand is at work, even in the chaos, to bring about cherished blessings.

For anyone out there caught off guard by life’s twists and seeking steady ground on shifting paths, let me offer this: hold tightly to your faith. Take each day calmly, allowing yourself grace when the road feels steep. Draw from the strength God always, inexhaustibly, provides. Life’s burdens share space with hidden treasures if we only pause to notice. I promise—they are always there.

2 Corinthians 12:9

"But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."

My Refection: And finally, God’s grace carries us through all life’s challenges, and His strength shines brightest in our moments of weakness. It’s a reminder that even in the unexpected and difficult seasons, His power and blessings are always at work.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the gift of this season and the unexpected blessings You have brought into my life. Though the journey has been challenging, Your grace has carried me through every sleepless night, every tear, and every moment of doubt. I am in awe of how You work all things for good, even in the middle of chaos and struggle.

Lord, I lift up my family, my sweet grandson Ryder, and all the loved ones who have supported me along the way. Bless them abundantly for their kindness, strength, and love. May Your presence continue to guide us as we navigate this path together.

Father, I pray for patience, wisdom, and strength to embrace each day with gratitude and faith. Help me to see Your hand in every moment—both the joyful and the difficult—and to trust in Your perfect plan for my life. Thank You for reminding me that Your grace is sufficient and Your timing is always perfect.

In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.