It's A Boy for Marvin and Vicki Dove

Marvin and Vicki Dove are part of a growing population of American grandparents - in nearly 2.5 million households - who are fulltime custodial caregivers to minor grandchildren. Nationwide, this societal shift in parenting responsibilities is due to any of a variety of serious problems such as drug or alcohol addiction, financial hardship, mental illness, incarceration, domestic violence, divorce and other issues.

Last week, Marvin’s youngest daughter Valerie - a single mother with three small boys of her own - officially adopted 3 ½ year old Reilly after his birth mother signed away her parental rights. According to his new birth certificate and social security number, his name is now Reilly Marvin Dove. About 90% of the time, his home is with his great-grandparents where he has lived since the day his mother dropped her 13-month-old son off with little more than a few diapers and some baby food. "He had nothing, so right after we got him, we went shopping for a crib, high chair, car seat, clothes, diapers . . . everything!" notes Vicki. "At a time when other people our age are relaxing and enjoying retirement, we are scheduling ‘well baby’ checkups, researching the going rate for baby sitters, and child proofing the house!"

Vicki says Reilly loves his Grandma, but "he absolutely adores his Grandpa. He loves everything Grandpa does and says." The toddler particularly enjoys helping Grandpa in his lawn care business - even occasionally riding along on the big mower. Vicki admits it’s sometimes hard keeping up with their busy and curious little guy, but knows "the Lord is mindful of us and of Reilly and, there’s no question . . . he’s certainly going to keep us young!"