Happiness cannot be measured by one simple, single moment. It comes in many forms. A look, smile, smell, feeling, thought, word or just simply, life.
The cupboard of dreams. High on the top shelf in the linen cupboard are new beginnings for the three children and the two grandchildren we raised – school…
Having recently celebrated (or not) my 66th birthday, I have had time to reflect on my journey. On many stages of this journey I frequently thought I knew…
After 30 years of marriage raising three of our own children and taking in two foster children with all its ups and downs, our nest was finally empty.
As a young mother way back in 1969 I simply could not have done without my mum to help me in so many ways. From a baby that…
Grandparents or kin who find themselves in a position of having to raise children at a later stage in life face many challenges:
The Napier Grandparents raising Grandchildren group invited me to attend the Christmas lunch with members of this support group. A flight from Auckland down to Napier was upon one…
Often grandparents find themselves unexpectedly placed in a position where they are needed to raise their grandchildren. This is a life changing situation for all involved and can…
As a child growing up we just simply could not wait for the day when we got home from school to find our Mother had put up the…
Having been married for 47 years there has always been one thing that has made me go umm…
They were first noticed swooping in and out of the garage. Checking it out to see if this would be a safe home. Very quickly Grand-daughter aged 8,…
Healthy families can mean many things, physical health, mental/emotional health or spiritual health, all equally important to the over-all wellbeing of the human species.
My young grand-daughter had to make up a story using as much creative ability as possible. She hummed and bounced many ideas of us, and finally presented this:
In the interests of my sustainability in keeping up with modern trends whilst raising teen grandchildren, I agreed to let my 17 year old grand-daughter take me shopping…
Coming from a family of five born from the 40s through to the 60s, we all raised our family within easy distance of each other. Now fast forward to…
It was the school holidays and the call came from the younger five (6-9yrs) grandchildren who do not live with us. ‘We’re bored can we come to your…
The following is an illustration as to how I came to realise that maintaining my fitness is important as I grow older, both in terms of wellbeing and…
When we age we cast off the care and responsibilities of raising our children – as they move on with their lives, so do we. Freedom comes, to…