On a frigid February evening, Mason came into this world, filling the room with his tiny cries. From the moment he took his first breath, his grandmother held him close, her heart filled with love. In the hush of that special moment, she whispered softly into his tiny ears, “I will always take care of you.” Little did Mason know, this promise was made not only out of love for him but also out of a deep commitment to his mother, who was struggling with addiction and life on the streets. It was then and there that Mason’s grandmother made a life-changing decision, vowing to give him the best life she possibly could by choosing to adopt him in the days to come.
In Tosha L. Cheatham’s heartwarming book ‘GUNKA AND ME’, based on hope for kids and grandparents who navigate through similar struggles as Mason and his grandmother, the narrative beautifully underscores the power of love. Through the eyes of a grandmother who refused to yield to hardship, we witness the unwavering love she holds for her grandson, Mason. As the book eloquently narrates, she took Mason under her wings when he was just a toddler, making a courageous decision to protect him from his father’s unfortunate circumstances, ensuring his safety and wellbeing. Her loving care, symbolized by the simple act of bandaging his injuries, reflects the profound strength and resilience that family bonds can provide, illuminating the enduring hope that propels them forward. Cheatham’s work serves as a touching testament to the resilience of grandparents and their unyielding love for their flesh and blood.
Mason’s grandmother, with a tender heart, understands just how delicate his young feelings are. She comprehends the chaos that swirls within him, trying to grasp why his parents are absent, why she is the one caring for him. It’s not just the everyday routines like Father’s Day or helping with his homework or those quiet bedtime moments that she realizes he wishes his parents were there. It’s in these moments that her grandmotherly wisdom shines. She takes out old photo albums, showing him pictures of his parents, assuring him of the profound love they hold for him, even though they cannot be by his side. She handles his emotions with the utmost care, making sure he knows that she will share a special story with him, a story of how she chose to adopt him as her son forever. Through this narrative, TOSHA conveys the power of love, understanding, and the promise of a forever family, illustrating that bonds formed through love can be just as strong, if not stronger, than those formed by blood.
In 2018, Mason’s life took a significant turn when his grandmother decided to adopt him, assuming custody and legal responsibility for her own flesh and blood. This decision, while rooted in love and family bonds, came at a considerable financial cost. His grandmother had to navigate a process akin to standard adoption, which is usually associated with non-relative adoptions. This includes legal fees, background checks, and home assessments, among other requirements. What Mason’s grandmother experienced is not unique; it sheds light on the broader issue of adoption in the western world. Many grandparents embark on similar journeys, facing bureaucratic hurdles and significant financial commitment all in the pursuit of providing loving and stable homes for their grandchildren. This process underscores the dedication and sacrifices that grandparents across the West endure to ensure the well-being and stability of children in need of a safe and nurturing environment.
We witness the transformative power of love and family bonds. Mason’s grandmother’s unwavering commitment to providing him with a stable and loving home, even in the face of financial challenges and hurdles, serves as a testament to the resilience of grandparents and their unconditional love for their grandchildren. Through the pages of this narrative, Cheatham reminds us of the enduring hope that family bonds can provide and the profound strength that can be found within them. Moreover, Cheatham’s work shines a light on a broader societal issue—the challenges that many grandparents face when they step up to provide a safe haven for their grandchildren.
