What do I mean by Hub? I mean the center. The one thing that all else revolves around, like the spokes of a wheel. I know that for some, God is the center and everything they do in their lives is centered on him. For me, my Hub would be my granddaughter. Destiny has been with us since she was 2 ½ and we’ve had custody since she was 3. If someone would have told me back as a young mom that I would be raising one of their children someday, I would have laughed hysterically. Never in my life did I ever picture starting over again in raising a child.
My husband and I were on the verge of being empty nesters. Our youngest was finishing up high school and the college tours were beginning. Dan and I were starting to plan for quiet nights at home, just the two of us and weekend getaways to explore like we did when the kids were young and away at their moms for the summer. All of those plans have been put on hold though because this beautiful, bright spark needed us to be here for her. With parents that were unable to care for her, we stepped into that void to give her the love and security she needed to live a healthy, happy, safe life.
This time around it’s different. Not because she’s different, but because I’m different. I’m older and maybe a little bit wiser this time. I’m definitely much more patient than I was with my own kids. I’m less quick to judge or lose my temper. More quick to praise and thoroughly enjoy the beautiful young lady she is becoming. That’s not to say that some days are challenges to get through or that I don’t get frustrated with the attitude sometimes. But for the most part, every day is an adventure with Little D. I never know what’s coming at me next.
I love our walks to the bus stop in the morning. The whole family is there, Destiny, me, our dog Penny and the cat Olivia. All of us walking to the bus stop. The neighbors get a kick out of the family troupe making our way down the block. The biggest laugh comes from the cat being with us. And then we do it all again in the afternoon when we pick Destiny up. We have such great talks while waiting for the bus or walking to and from the bus stop. They usually start with Destiny asking “Nana, can I ask you something?” So I take a deep breath and brace myself for whatever is going to come out of her mouth. I’ve been asked how Destiny and her half sister Kenzie are actually sisters. I’ve been asked what college she’ll go to (she’s 8, why she’s worried about that, I have no idea). And I’ve been asked why her Pop had to die. Some questions are easier to answer than others. Some I just don’t have the answer to. I do my best. But whatever the question or the topic of conversation, I look forward to our chats. Destiny is such a bright, lovable little person and my life, our lives, are so much fuller and richer for having her as a part of our family.
My world revolves around Destiny (and the rest of my family). I don’t think I’d have it any other way. It’s a privilege and a blessing to be able to raise this beautiful soul and to get to spend so much time with her.
So, who’s your Hub?
Kaz's Korner 
Oh, Karen. This really tugged at my heart. I know you are a blessing to Destiny, and she is obviously a tremendous blessing to you. (That picture of your cat is hilarious. She looks very patient there, doing her job. Haha!)
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