“I'm Just Glad That I'm Here”

This article reports the experiences of seven African-American HIV-affected grandmothers who participated in a qualitative study in Chicago, Illinois in 1996. Showcasing their stories highlights the existence and concerns of a population which is frequently overlooked. These respondents' attitudes about caregiving were mixed: they experienced it as a mixture of burden and honor. In the face of multiple stressors, these grandmothers demonstrated remarkable resilience, spirituality, and a commitment to kin. Even though the African-American grandmothers were heroic and dedicated, they may still need support from social service and health care systems. Grandparent caregiving in the HIV epidemic will likely increase, and practitioners and policy makers should be prepared to better address the needs of this growing population.