"Smith is a remarkable woman who accepted her responsibility with grace and humor and in the process realized what a blessing it was to be able to stand in for her grandson’s parents. In the end, she wrote that she’d “do it again without complaint and with a new found honor, pride, excitement, commitment…and of course, unwavering love."

 

  

"What is so inspiring about Judy's story is the "overcoming." It epitomizes what has and what will continue

to make this country great. Judy faced personal challenges in her marriage, in her finances, not to mention learning that both her daughter and son-in-law were deploying - and she stepped up. Judy, you truly are an inspiration to many." (Read article...)

 

 

 

"This book makes me want to add a new section to this website and call it “All The Books I Love!”

In the book "Reporting For Doodie" Judy is a (suddenly) single grandmother with both her daughter and son-in-law being deployed at the same time leaving her as primary caregiver for her 2-year old grandson.

And I must say no matter what the reason is, if you are raising, or helping to raise your grandchild you will love, love, love this book. It’s a laugh-out-loud, heart warming and inspiring account of one woman’s struggles and unwavering love.

I highly recommend this one. Happy reading!"

 

"Considering that Smith had recently divorced, started a new job, and suffered a bout with radial nerve palsy that paralyzed her right arm, it’s a wonder she managed to find any humor at all in her situation. But she delivers with five tips for single grandparents entering the dating scene and her “true confessions of an imperfect Gramma."

(Read full story here)

"Part self-help

, part auto

biography, this book is all about the power of positive thinking. It's also the account of how one suddenly single gra

ndmot

her with a great sense of humor came to find herself through caring for her grandson while his parents were deployed overseas by the U.S.Military. A heartwarming tale of love, devotion and inspiration from Long Beach "gramma" Judy L. Smith."

 

This morning, everything I do causes me to reflect that this is the last time I will do it. The last day that I will dress Marcus. The last time I will pack his lunch and his backpack before dropping him off at day care.  Marcus has become my confidant (even though he rarely knew what I was talking about, he always listened and acted like he did), my running mate, my baby and my touchstone (he was always there to comfort me, though he didn't understand why I was sad).

Shock and Awe:  In Honor of Military Members Appreciation Month, Author Debuts New Nonfiction Book Addressing the Effects of Military Deployment on Military Caregivers

"Reporting for Doodie" Details One Grandmother's Story, While Bringing Attention to the Plights of Many

With our military troops being sent to every corner of the world, more and more caregivers are suddenly being asked to raise and care for our military children.  Family and friends are being called upon to change their lives – often with little notice – to act as caregivers when parents are deployed to foreign lands.  Cases of dual military deployment are on the rise, as more and more troops are being sent abroad to defend our freedom.   (Read entire article...)

 

"A military parent and author, Judy L. Smith, writes a lighthearted book called Reporting for Doodie about how she stepped in as sole caregiver to her grandchild when both her daughter and son-in-law were simultaneously deployed. She also provides real life solutions to those who may be undergoing similar experiences."  (Read more...)

"With your philosphy and sense of humour, that little Grandson of yours will not go far wrong. I'm still laughing, as I was all the way through your story, sobered at times by the little quotations in between. A very clever touch; I hope we get to read more of your stories, you're a true breath of fresh air."

 

"It was a pleasure reading your book. I had to giggle at lots of things in it, because it does and has happened. One star is not enough for this one but that is all they will allow me to give."

 

"Wonderful story! Makes you want to laugh and then sit back and look at your life and wonder."