Taken After Tragedy
“Children deserve continuity, stability and the love of the family who has cared for them, especially after losing a parent.”
We raised our granddaughter from the time she was an infant, never imagining that we would lose her overnight when our daughter died.
We began caring for her in 2019, shortly before her first birthday, and in 2020 were granted temporary custody. For years, she lived with us full time in a stable, loving home. We provided her daily care, routines and emotional support, while encouraging a relationship with her father whenever possible.
In early 2025, our daughter learned her leukemia had returned. Even as she faced her illness, her focus remained on her child’s stability and well-being. In August, our daughter passed away.
The day after her death, our granddaughter was taken from our home and told she would not be returning. Our family lost the chance to grieve together, and our granddaughter lost the only home she had ever known.
She didn’t just lose her mother. She lost her routines, her sense of security and the grandparents who had raised her since infancy. Our contact with her is now limited, despite the deep bond we share.
This is not what our daughter wanted, and it is not what we believe is best for our granddaughter. Children deserve continuity, stability and the love of the family who has cared for them, especially after losing a parent.
Our story is not unique. Across Florida, children lose vital family connections when the law fails to consider their existing bonds.
We are sharing our story to support laws that protect children’s best interests by preserving meaningful relationships after the death of a parent.
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.