I happened upon a Gaga whose duty as a grandparent goes beyond the call. Annette Powless represents a generation raising the next generation's next generation.

A guardian grandmother in every sense of the word, exactly how long this trend has been going on is difficult to say, for as I decided to write this story I have discovered through general conversations with the general population that this kind of parenting is common among the Ho-Chunk community, and I am sure other communities as well.

So as not to offend anyone, I offer Annette's story because everyone has a different circumstance. But for those who are personally affected by her story under whatever circumstance, applaud her efforts and that of her elder peers.

Though Annette would most likely disagree about her reprise as less than an effort, and more a labor of love, "For myself I don't mind it. Daria, she keeps me going, its not a burden, I got her when she was ten days old, she is just like mine, I 'm like the mother and the father, "she said.

Would she not have taken her on? " I could have said no, but I didn't," and letting her go, " Maybe I would, she is not used to either parent. We are already talking college, the tribe helped me out when I sent her to a Christian school." There she was taught how to set goals daily, in her schoolwork and everything, the teachers raved about her and everything, added Annette.

The guardianship is mutual according to Annette, "Daria is concerned about me, that she will be alone, when I got sick she took care of me, cooked for me, one time when she was 7 years old she made me popcorn, it was full of seeds, she wanted me to rest, it was her and I and I was really sick," she said.

Annette thought about her female relatives who were diabetic and inactive, resulting in an early passing. "I am diabetic, battling a weight problem a daily battle, my appetite is too good," she said lightheartedly.

Every situation has different circumstances. When asked where the parents were Annette replied, "The father is around here, the mother lives in South Dakota. Two years ago Daria finally got to meet her mother. She was excited she met her grandmother, 2 ½ year old sister and a six month old brother."

The mother contacted Annette, "That's when I decided to take her out there, there has not been much contact since," according to Annette.

Daria is one of 21 (Indian way) grandchildren in Annette's life that she wanted to acknowledge and because she has custody of Daria, priorities were rearranged.

"My whole life is centered around them, their schedules, their activities, Daria and Rachel Thundercloud were the only ones who received Presidential Achievement awards for academics, they received letters from George and Laura Bush," she said proudly.

The role of dual parents is not without unorthodox fun for a grandmother, "Its good to have her as I am diabetic, she keeps me going activity wise, we go to youth activities, to keep her fun. I have gone down a water slide, I even rode an elephant," she said laughingly.

The upbringing through the eyes of a grandparent is different, "Through all of this raising… I am raising her different than my own kids, I teach her how to cook, watch her money, she is very self motivated," said Annette who had some responsible advice for responsible young people who want children.

"Be involved with your kids, not just being there is enough, get to know your child. Their friends, their friend's parents, spend quality time with them," acknowledged Annette.
If Annette keeps busy with the unexpected surprises of adolescence, teen-age wisdom and finally college, she will then enjoy Grandmother Dom.

Part II

In conclusion to this story I felt it necessary to hear from the recipient of a guardian grandparent, his name: Marcus Lewis. Another chance interview maybe, but for many who do not believe in coincidence, not a chance.

Marcus Lewis, has been under the care of Walter and Marie Lewis since birth.

According to Marcus he is very much aware of the difference, "I know my grandparents aren't my parents, but they've raised me and I know the difference," said Marcus.

Perhaps dysfunctional is not a proper title for family's in this position, in Marcus Lewis's case there is no fine line, for example, holidays and parents day, "Mother's and Father's Day. Undeniably, I have my mother close at hand and in Hocak kinship, I have many other mothers as well. Father's day is not a day of sorrow or pain for me thinking about what I don't have (my biological father) but rather I relish what I do have: My grandfather," acknowledged Marcus.

He does in fact know about his past, his identity remains, according to Marcus, "My mother lives in town with my siblings, Brianna, Ashley and Brian and I see her quite often. My father, location unknown, was last seen in Milwaukee. I have not seen father since age 5."

When asked about Christmas he responded, "Christmas is family. Pure and simple, family floods the house, we're submerged in presents and everyone is together and happy.

Sounds like a sappy X-mas card, but it's true," adding, "My grandparents brought me up to be Holy, believe in God and go to church."

According to Marie Lewis, "the 17 years went by very fast," I asked Marcus to speak directly to his grandparents in regards to gratitude, he replied, "In terms of a way to say thank you, I'd say thank you for keeping me on the right path. You've always told me education, family and religion is important and that's the right way to go. They don't allow me to stray too far off the path, but at the same time, give me autonomy to discover things for myself and choose my own way."

Future aspirations for Marcus are a reflection of who he aspires to be, "My goals are first and foremost, to be a success. Not in terms of making millions upon millions dollars (although, that's what I want said with sarcasm) but more importantly, to be a success as a human being. I want to be a father, a husband, a composer, an actor, a comedian and an NFL Official. My passion is for helping and entertaining others."

In conclusion to this story I have found it most difficult to end, many parents always hear the unwanted truth from said grandparents, "You think we are going to live forever," they say in moments of despair, according to Marcus, "It's not something I think about.

You can't go through life thinking about the end of something at the expense of the present, so I don't. When that day comes, it'll be sad, but in the meantime, I'm living for the day and enjoying the time I have with them. They've taught me well, to be kind, respectful, courteous, and believe and love God. I've learned so much from them, I can let them go when the time comes with no regrets in my heart." Said Grandchild.