Stories of Service

"I found my niche"

Grandpa John

Foster Grandparents - Montcalm County, Lakeview Elementary School

“Grandpa John” and “Grandma Connie” Dietrick are Foster Grandparents at Lakeview Upper Elementary. Grandpa John helps out in Amie Pincumbe’s third grade classroom and Grandma Connie in Fran Clemence’s third grade classroom. This husband and wife team has truly enriched many children’s lives by just being a positive role model, a listening ear, one who can praise the children, or just give them a pat on the back for a job well done. They bring the warmth and love of a grandparent into the school, helping to “Foster” a positive relationship that benefits both the Grandparent and the child. “I found my niche” Written by, Grandpa John After my early retirement and a few years of working summers on Mackinac Island, I started looking for something a little more meaningful then driving tourists around on a horse drawn taxi. I typed a search on my computer, “volunteer” and I found jobs building homes, delivering meals, helping seniors so their taxes and even opportunities overseas. I continued my search and looked under “Community Services” and there it was, “The Foster Grandparent Program” through EightCAP, Inc. I don’t know why but that caught my attention, I’m glad it did! It changed my life forever! It wasn’t long after my initial call that my application was filled out and I was assigned to Lakeview Elementary, Third grade. I hadn’t been around a school since 1965 when I graduated. I waited nervously to meet the teacher. The sounds and smells were just like they were 50 years ago, little had changed. Mrs. Pincumbe made me feel right at home and we quickly developed a working relationship. Being a good Foster Grandparent was a work in progress, at first I tried to get the children to sit straight, be quiet and listen to the teacher, keep their hands to themselves. The only thing I accomplished was making a stressful environment for me and the children. I learned fast, I wasn’t here to make the children sit straight, or be silent. I was here to be a grandpa, get down to their level, eye to eye, and listen! I began to learn about the students, they told me stories that affected them, about their families, their pets, their fears and funny things that happened to them. I let them talk until they were done! “I found my niche”, I hugged, I listened, I fed them and I accepted them for who they were! Soon I began to see a difference in the children’s behavior. I felt it wasn’t all about them either, I am more fulfilled, I have found purpose, and I am needed. Slowly my life began to open, I felt a sense of belonging, and I even slept a little better at night. The children have filled our home with stories, pictures and letters, even more important great memories that will live with my wife and myself as long as we live.