Macon woman struggles to raise great-grandchildren

Ed Grisamore

Nov. 29, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Like most "mothers," there are days when Pauline Butler struggles to find the energy to raise two young boys.

It certainly isn't from lack of experience. You can look around her living room at her home off Napier Avenue. The evidence is everywhere.

There are photographs of her 12 children, 67 grandchildren and 56 great-grandchildren. She will soon be making room for a picture of her first great-great grandchild.

But for now, Butler is busy raising two of her great-grandsons, Fuquan and Samia. They call her Granny. She has adopted them, and they have brought great joy to her life.

There are plenty of worries, though.

"It has been rough," she said. "We didn't even put up a Christmas tree last year. I have told them whatever they get for Christmas this year, just be thankful for it." She took in the two boys after a granddaughter in New Jersey was unable to care for them. She got Fuquan, 8, when he was 6 months old. He had burns all over his body and had to have skin grafts.

"The doctors told us he was not going to live," she said. "He is a miracle child." The boys attend Brookdale Elementary and go to church with her at New Progressive Baptist on Second Street.

Butler is 78 years old and has health issues of her own. She has problems with her heart and hip. She also has high blood pressure.

She has received help through Rebuilding Together of Macon, which preserves and revitalizes houses of low-income elderly and disabled homeowners in the community.

She initially was able to get some assistance through the Department of Family and Children Services, but it stopped after she adopted the two boys.

The Reindeer Gang is a Telegraph tradition during the holidays. By telling the stories of people in our community during the holidays, it seeks to connect those in need with readers who can help them.

For the Butler family, The Reindeer Gang is asking for financial contributions for winter clothes, coats and shoes for the boys. They also want a basketball goal and scooter. Butler needs sweatpants and shirts.

For more information about The Reindeer Gang, call Ed Grisamore at 744-4275 or e-mail at gris@macon.com

Newstex ID: KRTB-0118-30029270