Nominated by: Natasha McDougall
A DEVOTED grandmother who gives her time selflessly to care for her grandson and support other families has been nominated for the Grandparent of the Year award.
Nominator Natasha McDougall said her mum, Goreti Da Silva, was “the very definition of an exceptional grandmother”, looking after her grandson two days a week so that both parents could return to full-time work while easing the financial burden of childcare.
Ms McDougall said Ms Da Silva never saw caring for her grandson as an obligation, but as “precious time spent with the little boy she adores”.
Her dedication was particularly clear when she cared for him for three weeks while his parents went on their dream honeymoon. Despite working full-time herself, Ms Da Silva managed every nursery drop-off and pick-up, prepared meals, bathed him, read bedtime stories and kept his routine as if his parents were at home.
Ms McDougall said her mum had given them the “priceless gift” of enjoying their honeymoon knowing their son was safe, happy and loved.
Describing her mum’s generosity, patience and unconditional love as “not only the best grandma our son could ever wish for”, Ms McDougall said: “For us, she truly is Grandma of the Year.”
