Love and Loss
“This is about love, stability, and the emotional well-being of children. My grandson hasn’t only lost his Nana, whom he loves and has bonded with, after more than four years, but his neighborhood friends, as well. ”
I became a mother at a young age and worked tirelessly to give my daughter a stable, loving upbringing.
I believed then, as I do now, that children benefit from having as many caring family members in their lives as possible.
After years of infertility, my daughter and her husband welcomed a son. Becoming a grandmother was a joy I had hoped and prayed for. I returned to Central Florida and bought a home nearby so I could be present, supportive and involved in my grandson’s life.
From the beginning, I played an active role. I provided regular care, stability and love, and I was honored to be present for many of my grandson’s earliest milestones. Our bond was strong, consistent and deeply meaningful.
When my grandson was 3½ years old, contact between us abruptly ended following a family disagreement. Despite having been closely involved in his daily life, I was suddenly cut off from seeing or speaking with him.
Over time, limited contact briefly resumed, but it was short-lived. Eventually, I was again completely separated from my grandson and lost all connection to him.
My grandson didn’t just lose his Nana. He lost a source of stability, daily routine, family history and unconditional love. These losses matter, especially to young children who cannot understand or explain what has happened.
This experience led me to learn that my story is not unique. Across Florida, many grandparents who have played vital, loving roles in their grandchildren’s lives have no legal path to protect those relationships when contact is abruptly cut off.
I have since dedicated myself to advocacy - working with support groups, attorneys and legislators to strengthen Florida’s grandparent visitation laws.
This is not about control or conflict. It is about children. It is about preserving meaningful family connections that support a child’s emotional well-being, sense of identity and security.
No child should lose loving family relationships without consideration of what is truly in their best interest.
Senate Bill 1150 protects children, honors the wishes of parents, and safeguards the bonds critical to a child’s well-being by allowing grandparents to petition for visitation (not custody) so a judge can determine what is in the child’s best interest.
We are all one tragedy away from needing the law to protect these essential relationships.
By emailing or calling legislators and decison-makers, signing the petitions, sharing your story with us, and spreading the word on social media, you can help build the momentum needed to pass this vital law before time runs out.
Thank you for your support.