Every year, choosing the winner and the top 20 among thousands of entries becomes more and more difficult: The stories written by nominators are as varied, compelling and individualistic as the nominees themselves. We received nominations from every US state and from five other countries; the grands were nominated by husbands and wives, daughters and daughters-in-law, grandchildren and friends.

In choosing our winners, we read compassionate stories of grands who are raising their grandchildren, grands who are active in their grandchildren’s lives despite disabilities, grands who moved ways from comfortable lives in order to live closer to their grandchildren, grands who juggle work and family, grands who are teachers of life, spiritual guides, role models, advocates for the rights of others, peacemakers and adventurers. The stories remind us all of what a privilege it is to work with a readership whose commonality is love. And we thank you.
 

Selia Ricardez
Whittier, CA

"I believe the Lord blesses us with grandchildren only to keep us moving. I have osteopenia in my legs-sometimes my legs hurt-but with the kids, I have to keep moving; and when I'm moving, the pain goes away. So instead of sitting, feeling sorry myself, on the weekend I'm at the park, going up the slides, coming down, chasing them around, and bike riding."

Nomination:
When I think of my sister Selia, I envision laughter, joy, and everyday sacrifing to bring up her grandkids-Nicholas, Nathan and Zoe-in a loving, nurturing home. I envision her romping with her grandkids around her living room-school paints, puzzles, ABC flash cards in the living room and dining room, and bikes and toys found in every room. Her house is kid friendly and welcoming. There is an unspoken message as you enter her home: that kid's creativity is encouraged here with constant servings of love, food, hugs, and night-night kisses and prayer.
Bertha Urrutia | La Habra, CA

• Judi Adams-Evans
  New Haven, CT
  
  SUPERVISED: AUNT-39YRS GrandMaMa visits us monthly from CT to CA. She visits us every Grandparents Day. She makes us laugh! She kisses our elbows, toes, faces, fingers, knees, hair. She reads books to us. We stay at the hotel with her. She takes us to the beach, pool, puppets, horse rides, iceskating, Playlands, library and the Knights- we eat with our fingers there. We go to Camp MEGA every summer. She gives us treats, toys. We pick limes. She lets us use lots of bubble bath. She takes us for night walks. GrandMaMa loves Daddy, Mommy and us so much!
  Anetha,Jamahl Jr.,Adam Evans | Oceanside, CA
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• Raymond & Frieda Barrows
  Seffner, FL
  
  Two years ago, DCF removed 5 small children, (all under the age of six) from an undesirable situation, asking the Grandparents to take custody. Although the grandparents live on a modest income, they never hesitated in taking on the task of raising five young children full-time… in addition to an older grandson. The grandparents have shown a grace and courage during this period that I believe might challenge the patience of many of us. Their focus is always the children and their efforts are visible in the happiness and behavior of these small people. All five were adopted in June.
  Billie Ginther | Tampa, FL
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• Barbara Byron
  Simi Valley, CA
  
  My brother and I live with my grandmother. I have a rare condition called Klippel-Treaunay Sturge-Weber Syndrome which I'm 65% face and body birthmark and requires a lot of doctors appointments at UCLA. My grandmother takes us on adventures, grunion hunting, fishing, meteor watching, camping, swimming, and visiting relatives. Helps us with homework, plays games, and gives us chores. She is a very intelligent and kind person. Alot of people call her grandma. She is my rock and reassurance of good things and achievements that I can do.
  Zackary Byron | Simi Valley, CA
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• Betty Goodwin
  Smyrna, NC
  
  My grandma is the best nominee because she reuses, reduces and recycles. When I go to her house there are always water bottles refilled! She always shops at thrift shops, never at chain stores! My grandma never uses more energy than needed. Since she's never a couch potato, she knits and reads! She takes the time and energy to have two trash cans; one for recycles and one for trash. Most people just throw stuff away; she thinks can this be reused, reduced or recycled? My first year of life she volunteered in the Peace Corps! I love her!
  Savannah Willis | Beaufort, NC
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• Beldin Hare
  St. Louis, MO
  
  My grandpa is SO special because a few years ago he was overweight and was HATING it, and he decided to train for a marathon, and in the process lost all the weight he was hoping to. He has run 3 full marathons and 4 half marathons since! He is hilarious, and the best grandpa EVER!!
  Rilke Griffin | St. Louis, MO
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• Craig Hutton
  Scottsdale, AZ
  
  My Dad is Grandpa to 4 A's- Ashley 5, Audrey 3, Ava 2 and Andrew 1. Ashley wrote down why she loves grandpa... "He takes me to see horses, teaches me to floss my teeth, to use coupons, takes me to the zoo and plays, he gives the best hugs-he is the best Grandpa ever". Grandpa gets Audrey and Andrew ready for daycare on days when their parents are at work. He dresses, does hair, changes diapers, fixes breakfast and drives them to school. My Dad was meant to be a Grandpa. His grandchildren love him to the moon.
  Lisa Fulbright | Scottsdale, AZ
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• Nancy Ligon
  Columbus, OH
  
  My Grandmother has raised me by herself with just a little money,since I was 15 months. I have Tourette's Syndrome and have lots of energy. It's hard to deal with me, but she's a strong person and she keeps me focused. I have been attached to her since I was a baby and I can't let her go. She makes sure that I get everything I need, good grades, violin, and ice skating lessons. She also makes sure that I visit, and have a good relationship with my parents. She deserves a vacation because she can't afford to take one.
  AJ Saxon | Columbus, OH
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• Ilona Malone
  Dallas, TX
  
  My mother is disabled and yet, will drop everything to come over and care for her grandson. Her days at our house are spent much like my own were spent with my grandmother. There is laughing, dancing, singing, coloring and all the things that develop a grand relationship. You don't need to be a super hero to be a good grandparent, but you do need to be there. I nominate my mother as grandparent of the year because she shows her love in the little things she does for us everyday.
  Jennifer Chadwell | Pantego, TX
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• Carol Nebrat
  Durham, NC
  
  My nana is special to me. She encourages me to keep writing. Every time I write a story, I share it with her. She reads my stories with a smile and tells me: Your stories are fascinating. My eyes dance across your masterpieces happily. I couldn't live without my nana's cooking. It's better than food at a restaurant! Especially the banana bread we bake together. That's why I call her Nana Banana. My nana and I have one of the best connections I could ever have with somebody. It's because of one word and syllable, LOVE!
  Briana Bernstein | Charlotte, NC
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• Frank Nicosia
  Ft. Worth, TX
  
  My Grandpa is simply the best.. He retired & moved from the state where he spent his whole life and used most of his retirement money to help my mom start a business so she could make a better life for us. He's always there with a hammer or a hug-whatever is needed. Any holiday is an excuse for him to invite anybody who doesn't have a home to go to. Grandpa always puts us first and does anything he can to make sure we feel safe and loved. He's simply the best!
  Gabby Nero | Fort Worth, TX
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• James Platt
  Dayton, IN
  
  My husband quit his job almost 6 years ago to care for our 3 grancchildren . They were children of neglect and abuse and needed one of us to stay home and give them the love, structure and trust. They were then ages 10 months, 3and a half and 6 years old. The middle child no longer needs therapy, the youngest loves everyone and the oldest is a straight a student. He gave up alot to spend time and help our grandchildren get back on the right track and enjoy what life has to offer. He is my hero.
  Nora Scott-Platt | Dayton , IN
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• Beth Pruitt-Wells
  Louisville, KY
  
  When I asked my 5 year old son Parker why he thinks his Grammy is the best grandmother in the world, he responded very simply with "Well, not only did God give Grammy the bestest hugs and smile, but He gave her the bestest love and her breath always smells really good!" What else can we say? She's the most amazing woman you could ever meet! She raised me alone, no child support, no help, nothing, and she couldn't have done a better job as a mother! She's my very best friend and I beg of you to choose her!
  Linzi Pruitt | Louisville, KY
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• Pat Ryan
  Jamesville, WI
  
  My father has a rare muscle disease, yet he still finds time for his 5 grandchildren every day. Oldest will be 5 and youngest 1...they all are treated wonderful. Everyone of them's first couple words was Grandpa. They play, they love, they learn. He is also their daycare when we have to be at work and can't take care of them ourselves. He even treats his foster grandchildren the same. On top of all his grandkids, he even found time in his heart to adopt 3 kids, though his kids are already grown.
  Karie Lux | Janesville, WI
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• Carl & Nadine Schroeder
  Lemont, IL
  
  I am a foster parent to special needs children. We have fostered over 40 some children. My parents Carl & Nadine,( Boppie and Grandma) have opened their hearts to loving the children we have taken in. My Momand Dad became their Grandparents. Nadine took special training to be a respite worker for the sick babies.They have gone to school events, baseball games,appointments, all to help out, cheer them on, and love them like their own. My parents have gone beyond the definition of what a grandparent is. They are the meaning of "special" for all their "special needs" grandchildren.
  Natalee Quinn | Lemont, IL
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• June & Gary Taylor
  Ukiah, CA
  
  My grandparents have always been there for me. They give me all of things I need. They've always been concerned about me and my well being. My grandma encourages me to read because we both love reading. She always brags about me, so now I'm bragging about her! My grandpa has been handicapped for 25 years, but that doesn't stop him from giving up. He still is playful and very active. He's always supportive in my interests and comes to my sporting events. My grandpa is special in my heart and I love both my grandparents tremendously! Kelsi Fowler Age 10
  Kelsi Fowler | Ukiah, CA
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• Constance Thibodaux
  Colorado Springs, CO
  
  This single Grandmother has custody of her two grandsons ages 5 and 8. Constance works full time as a pediatric nurse in a busy out patient clinic.She cares for children both at home and at work. At the end of a busy day, she is never too tired for homework and play. Weekends are fun outings to parks, hiking trails or helping " Nonni" in the yard. She is a hands on Grandmother, throwing a football or throwing a birthday party! When others her age are retiring and looking forward to travelling, Constance has gladly sacrificed those pleasures to raise her "boys".
  Martha Wing | Scottsdale, AZ
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• Richard Turner
  Soddy Daisy, TN
  
  Poppy takes us on vacations out West, geysers and rockhunting. I must be the best Justin I can be, good and smart, to earn each trip. Poppy is very, very fair working extra hard doing overtime to pay for this trip. We learn each day,no video games instead Poppy talks and listens to each of us. Rewarding us for good things,talking to us when we mess up. He always loves me even if I make bad choices. I love him. I'm junior Poppy. One day I'll be Poppy - hard working, smart, fair and good.
  Justin Hineman | Soddy Daisy, TN
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• Carole Unger
  Fair Lawn, NJ
  
  My son,Justin, 4 1/2 was discovered to have Mosaic Downs when he was 2. My Mom was there to give me support from day 1. Justin doesn't talk, but he loves when my mom sings him songs that he can dance to, count on his fingers and act out.He loves to give his grandma yum yum kisses as she calls them ,and he tries to imitate the sound she makes when he gets her kisses. Justin and grandma love to listen to stories together on the computer. They are the best of friends.
  Stacy Conroy | Fair Lawn, NJ
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• Kim Weise
  Bell, FL
  
  I WANT TO NOMINATE MY MOTHER WHO IS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN .ONE HAS A DISABILITY..SHE CREATED A FOUNDATION TO ASSISIT CAREGIVERFOUNDATION.COM. IT IS HER HOPE THAT FAMILIES WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO BUILD STRONGER BONDS WITH THEIR CHILDREN .BUILDING GATEWAYS OF HELPING HANDS TO SHARE INFORMATION,RESOURCES TO HELP RELATIVES UNDERSTAND THEIR RIGHTS WHILE PROVIDING AID IN REACH OUT OF FOOD,FUN,ENTERTAINMENT AND HOLIDAY GIVING.NEVER THINKING OF HERSELF.WORKS HARD WITHOUT PAY .LIVING ON LOW INCOME HAVING NEEDS HERSELF.ALL CHILDREN ARE HER GRANDCHILDREN .
  LYNN MCLOUD
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• Dorothy Wilcher
  Americus, GA
  
  Dorothy Wilcher has cared for her granddaughter Destiny for seven years. Destiny is a fragile, eight year old child with cerebral palsy. Due to her special challenges, Destiny is like a newborn baby. Dorothy has learned to care for Destiny's numerous medical needs. Dorothy works full time and receives 3-4 hours of sleep a night. Dorothy rarely gets any leisure time and has had to delay furthering her education. Dorothy moved to a smaller home to have extra funds for Destiny's care. Despite her sacrifices, Dorothy calls Destiny her "miracle."
  Kathy
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