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12 May 2008
Dear Friend
A friend gave me a notebook with a picture of Wonderwoman on the front of it. She said it was so I could record my unrealistic expectations of what I planned to fit into the next 24 hours. Do you, like me, sometimes wish there were more hours in the day? If so, have a listen to Rob Parsons in this issue’s Family Matters.
A while back, I read Gary Chapman’s book, The Five Love Languages. Understanding that we give and receive love in different ways has made such a difference in my relationship with my husband. I tell you a bit about that in my article – ‘How do you keep love alive?’ And it can also be applied to the way we relate to other family members and friends.
Hope you enjoy this issue!
Katharine Hill, Care for the Family
PS We’ve extended the 20% discount on all online resources until 16 May, so you’ve a few more days left – visit www.careforthefamily.org.uk/shop
Audio
In this issue’s Family Matters, Rob Parsons tells us how he’d like to be a ‘no limit person’ who is able to find time to do everything he wants to do in everyday life. But he has had to accept that, however much he’d like to be, he can’t be Superman. Rob also reminds us of something very important that we need to do with our time. Listen to what Rob says
Article
The muffled tannoy announcement conveyed the disappointing news that the train would be a further 45 minutes late. The man sitting on the bench next to me drained his coffee cup and tossed it towards the bin. He looked at his watch, then, glancing at my laptop, asked me where I was heading and what work I did.
The conversation that ensued took not only the delayed 45 minutes, but most of the journey to London.
He had been happily married for four years, but recently the spark seemed to have gone out of the relationship. He didn’t ‘feel’ in love any more, and there seemed to be a loss of connection. How do you keep marriage going for a lifetime? What does it take to keep love alive? Read more
Giving
In April, Rob Parsons wrote to tell you the moving story of a little girl called Asha and her dad, Chris, who came on one of our A Different Journey family days, and to ask for your support. Read Rob’s letter here.
We want to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported the appeal so far. It’s early days, but to date we’ve raised £26,355 towards our target of £130,000.
If you are able to support the work of Care for the Family today, you can give a secure online donation here – thank you for your gift.
Find out more about A Different Journey – our support for those widowed early in life..
20s and 30s
When it comes to your work, do you ever find yourself asking these questions: “Am I contributing something?” “Can I be myself at work?” “Am I using my talents?” If so, take a look at the article ‘Living 9 to 5’ on Care for the Family’s website for everyone in their 20s and 30s – www.lookingatlife.org.uk
And please tell your friends and family – everyone who’s in their 20s and 30s – about this website. It’s full of really interesting articles and info – and there’s a forum and blogs, so you can chip in, too.
News
Did you know that Care for the Family is now sending email newsletters to:
We hope these email newsletters will enable us to support more families than ever before. Go to www.careforthefamily.org.uk/newslettersignup to receive any of the above email newsletters. And please tell others about them too, so that we can help lots more families.
Motherhood
My husband and I have four children, and none of them came with an instruction manual. I love being a mum, but the challenges don’t get any easier – the issues just change as they get older.
This year, Dianne Parsons is encouraging mums through a Care for the Family event called Motherhood – A Roller Coaster Ride 2008 in Croydon, Birmingham and Southampton. And she’s inviting mums everywhere for an evening of honest insights, wrapped up in a healthy dose of humour.
Dianne will be joined at the event by Marion White and other guests. “There are certainly highs and lows when it comes to being a mum,” says Dianne, “and getting together with other mothers can be such an encouragement. I can’t wait!”
Care for the Family is passionate about supporting parents. We recognise that being a parent can be tough at times, but we believe it’s an incredibly important role. And that’s why we put on events like Motherhood – A Roller Coaster Ride 2008. Find out more here.
Events
In June, Dianne Parsons is back on the road with Motherhood – A Roller Coaster Ride 2008. I’d also like to draw your attention to Better than Alright – for everyone in their 20s and 30s.