Things don't always work out the way you imagine. For 80-year-old Paul and Charlotte the plan to have grandchildren never quite worked out. But they didn't give up hope.
We all know that grandparents have a particularly magical relationship with their grand-babies. This couple built their grandchildren a massive treehouse.
Paul and Charlotte didn't care if their grandchild was biological or not. They just wanted a young person in their lives. Fortunately, in Germany there is an amazing program. It translates to "adopt a grandparent."
The organization pairs grandparents with grandchildren. The couple were matched with Therese when she was a little girl. The results have been life-changing for the family.
"If you look at other older people, they’re just sitting in front of the television whereas I have this lively relationship," Paul said. "It gives me something to do and when Therese is drawing a picture, and she draws three hearts and Paul, my name, is in one of them, that really touches me."
The couple give Therese new experiences. They go swimming, on vacation, and have sleepovers. Therese's mother loves the connection the trio have. Her parents live too far away for her daughter to have the same kind of relationship.
What do you think of the "adopt a grandparent" program in Germany? Do you think Americans could take a note or two?
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