This is the first chance I've had to read through the whole thread...what delightful pictures and conversations. Ann, I never had my own children either, but now have three grandchildren, two from my husband's son, and the other is my husband's great-nephew who doesn't have a grandfather. Since hubby has been a father-figure to his nephew since his own father died when he was young, it was natural to adopt his son as our grandson.

I love being a grandmother, though haven't been able to spend as much time with my granddaughter since my brother got sick. (It's not just because I don't have as much time, but also because I have to be extremely careful not to be exposed to infections and viruses.) But I try to send her little cards and/or special gifts via my husband when he goes to see her, so she knows I love her and miss her and that my absence is ALL about my brother, and not about her. She seems to understand. I'll have to try to find a picture to post here.