The opioid epidemic is endangering children of addicted parents in unprecedented numbers. “Our Second Pair of Kids” is a brutally honest and detailed memoir of a father’s decision to rescue his two toddler grandchildren from his heroin addicted daughter and to raise them as his own. Reflections on six years of journal entries chronicle the nightmarish cycle of addiction, recovery and relapse, along with the arduous journey from seeking custody to deciding to adopt. In the end, love may win, but not without a fight.
As it says on the book’s cover, this is a story of love, addiction, redemption and adoption.
It is also a narrative of hope, disappointment, anger and celebration.
It’s about reaching deep down within yourself and finding strength enough to go one more day. It’s about the unpredictability of life and adjusting plans and expectations accordingly..
It’s about facing your demons and fighting back.
It’s especially about two small children who touched the lives of so many and then saved one or two in the process.
It’s a true story, written just the way it happened.Now and then a story comes along that touches your heartstrings, makes you laugh and cry and also brings awareness to a group of folks who struggle every day in their effort to give their grandchildren safety, security and, most of all, unconditional love.
I am proud to bring it to you.
I’m even more proud to have lived it.