family

National Stress Awareness Day

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I have always maintained that awareness is knowledge and knowledge is power. Sadly we may apply this to our professional life but often people switch off their awareness when in the company of friends and family.

Why is this? Maybe we don’t want to pry or live in fear of not saying the right thing. What we can do though is occasionally just ask the question ‘is everything OK?’. I remember receiving sound advice at a very young age to think about other people’s 24 hours…their lives.

If somebody is maybe acting out of sorts don’t react in a negative way but try finding out what is going on as they may be really stressed about something and a few kind words and a listening ear may be just what they need to bring their stress levels down.

We never know what is troubling those we love if we don’t take the time to notice and be interested.Life can be difficult at times and remember somebody may be drowning and not just waving.

I was told once that to have that great friend you have to be that great friend.

Recently I read an article about how having a hug may be just as effective when in pain as a pain killer..I know which I prefer.

Male suicide

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Regular followers will know I often write and include the delicate subject of suicide in my bereavement blogs.

Sadly many people are uncomfortable talking about this subject which can in turn affect how supportive they are to families coping with the tragic loss of a family member.

Many of the mental health charities and organisations are encouraging people to talk about their problems and in particularly young men where suicide is one of the highest killers.

Often a young man will take heed from his own Father’s reluctance to share and talk about his emotions, but all family units should address this and soon.

Encourage your male family members to talk there is no shame in talking about our feelings and you may just save a worried teen from spiraling into depression and thoughts of a suicidal nature.

Having said this I will remind any bereaved family members facing the attempted suicide or loss in this way that feelings of misplaced blame is not uncommon and please seek support to help you through this difficult time.

Down’s Syndrome Awareness

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This morning I watched the extremely emotive, empowering and brilliant advertisement in support of Down’s Syndrome run by Mencap.

Thankfully some of the myths and ignorance of the 1960’s has been replaced with more awareness and correct information to empower those children with Down’s. Slowly and hopefully we are educating the proportion of society that remain ignorant or indifferent to people with challenges to overcome.

Over the years I have known and had the privilege to work with young adults with Down’s Syndrome and they are truly  beautiful and inspirational to observe and get to know.

To find out more information please visit http://www.mencap.org.uk.

Happy Birthday Mum

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Today is my Mum’s birthday she would have been 94. I can think of no better way to celebrate her birthday than have an afternoon tea…

Luckily my beautiful considerate daughter had treated me and her boyfriend’s mum to an afternoon tea at Luton Hoo.

The grounds and house are amazing and the array of cakes and sandwiches were too.No counting calories or diet today. The tea flowed as we chatted and giggled and ate until our clothes were uncomfortable.

As her day comes to a close I have had a lovely catch up with her younger sister who was about to ring me we always think of each other on days like this, and as I often say death doesn’t end a relationship and our loved ones remain forever in our hearts.

Mum, where ever you are I did you proud today mmm yum cakes!

 

Elephants and Castles…observers of life

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Last night I went to see the London based band ‘Elephants and Castles’ play live at The Farmers Boy in St Albans. Great night listening to this really interesting duo who write their own material. OK so do a lot of bands… and I know I am a writer… but their lyrics really impressed me. I found myself hurriedly scribbling a few down on the back of my business cards having scrounged a pen!

The band members Chris Anderson and Rob Spencer are also both teachers with the former being a music teacher who really makes a difference to the lives of the children he works with.

Chris Anderson has been known to me for nearly twenty years and I have enjoyed attending gigs in the past with other bands including ‘Missing the Ferry’ in which he plays with three other band members two of which are his equally talented and musical brothers Kevin and Paul.

My followers know that I don’t often stray from my main blog theme but these guys deserve a mention and one particular song really resonates with me and my work with the elderly..  ‘Larry and Janet‘ is an emotive song about how changes to areas affect those that may have lived there for most if not all their life and are expected to move away from all that’s familiar. And, as their lyrics state:

‘What’s left for you and me, we don’t fit into next year’s plans. …One way ticket to the outskirts..they’re gonna push us out’

During the course of the evening I was informed by loyal fans about the inspiration of so many of their songs, these guys are keen observers of life. I was equally pleased to learn ‘Outdoor kids‘ another brilliant song was inspired by Redbourn my village!

If Chris and Rob get to see this I hope I scribbled the lyrics down correctly.. after consuming a few large glasses of wine. Thanks for making a Sunday night memorable and I will be playing your disc later.

Keep an eye on these two…they have some amazing musical messages that need to be heard!

 

 

 

Alzheimer’s Society

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Yet again I am promoting the Alzheimer’s Society who have just provided me with  a second batch of amazing literature. I cannot praise their support and standard of advice enough it has been of great benefit in helping me in my own research of Dementia and in supporting those around me with loved ones facing this personal challenge.

To anybody working with and/or supporting Dementia sufferers please ensure you take full advantage of their support both in terms of material and advice.

Their helpline for England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 0300 222 1122

As their literature states they are ‘leading the fight against dementia’ and they are!

Family love

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Nothing stronger than the bonds of a parent and a child and in our family that extends to aunties too. We are a spiritual lot in our family and when one of my nieces was  in labour a few years back I spent a rather unsettled morning and felt very in tune with said expectant mother…we joked about this today with her reminding me she had it far worse.

Seriously though we had another arrival this week, on Thursday evening around eleven I was tired and took myself off to bed but just couldn’t get settled and ended up coming down stairs, making tea and mooching around watching bad TV until nearly five.  What I didn’t know is my sister was also doing exactly the same at the same time.

What you may ask curiously was causing this sleepless agitated night in the family…My Nephew and Godson’s wife went into labour at eleven and our latest arrival put in an appearance Friday morning.

We are all thrilled to welcome another dolly into the family…the next generation and I wish my great niece a long, healthy and exciting life which I will enjoy observing.

Thanks to those angels who watched over our lovely new mum giving a safe delivery and a beautiful daughter.