Cummings : It’s up to the Prime Minister whether I should continue.
Johnson: I need specs cos of Covid!
Families : should follow government advice & exercise your own judgement in saving your families lives, by returning your families to work, schools etc. that then would be following government advice and also their disclaimer of the future (when we see the second predicted wave/peak ) in saying they clearly addressed this point on this date at this time! My advice : Stay Alert, Stay at home, so sue me! #FamilyMatters
When I was twelve, I was coming home from swimming at my neighbor’s dock when I saw an ambulance’s flashing lights in our driveway. I still remember the asphalt burning my feet as I stood, paralyzed, and watched the paramedics take away my father. It was as if I knew those flashing lights were a harbinger that my childhood was over.
At the hospital, a surgeon performed “minor” elective bowel surgery on my young dad. The surgeon made an error, and instead of my father coming home to the “welcome home” banners we’d painted, he died.
The medical care system failed my father miserably. Then the medical care system began to fail me.
At fourteen, I started fainting. The doctors implied I was trying to garner attention. In college I began having full seizures. I kept them to myself, fearful of seeming a modern Camille. I’d awaken on the floor drenched…
For the first 6 months of this year I’ve had to concentrate on my day to day job, hence my lack of posts.
I wasn’t sure I would find the time to write about the things that concern me as a grandparent, both as an alienated grandparent or as a grandparent carer, which many grandparents find themselves in the juxtaposition of.
To be frank my energy levels were so zapped during the legal battle, (which thankfully ended with a working court order in 2013) and the subsequent financial hardships as a consequence, I had no choice but to return to full time employment.
I am lucky in that I get to work with a fantastic team in a very diverse community in the heart of Manchester and make a difference to older people’s lives. #ILoveMyJob
Things were just beginning to run smoothly when the Manchester Arena Attack happened on May 22nd 2017 and for the second time in my life time my home city was attacked by some random violent terrorist, the first time was in December 1992.
I could go on to tell you how the first attack changed my life forever, by succumbing to the inevitable anxiety and depression and fear of public spaces, but that won’t help and I now realise 25 years on how those terrorists won their battle of fear and terror by forever changing my life and the way I went about it, even though mercifully nobody died in that first attack.
It took me a long time to seek the right help for my fears and anxieties and no amount of attacks will ever break my resolve to live my life to the fullest to enjoy each and every moment I can with friends, family and community.
I am fiercely proud of my city of Manchester for the way it has come together in the days that have followed since 22nd May and my prayers and thoughts will always be with the families and friends who lost loved ones or were injured in this senseless attack.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
If you have been affected in any way find someone to talk to, but do not let terror defeat you, we owe it to the victims, to live life to the fullest on their behalf, volunteer in your local community and help those who are the most vulnerable such as the elderly, many of whom no longer venture out.
Many of the elderly are NOT on social media but will be tuning into their TV’s and Radio’s and will be absorbing the wall to wall coverage of terror, so please pop into your local community centre/hub and church, temple or mosque and ask for their latest newsletter or what’s on guide and post in your local streets.
You can also work with your local community to raise funds for projects in your area that help make a difference.
I have crocheted a heart and placed it on my tree to remind all those parents who are responsible to maintain and nourish familial relationships this season you can join in the PAS Campaign by following @fatherscontact & @Pas_amanda on twitter
Here’s how you crochet a heart………. thanks to @BellaCoco
Please watch the heartbreaking interview of Neal Gray, Ellie Butler’s Grandfather and then express your views on how the courts should change in order for grandparents and extended family members to give a wider picture of family life for the poor innocent children who are left wanting and failed by an outdated system, which is shrouded in secrecy to protect families private lives but ultimately fails children and families.
Legal aid is still available for mediation and people on a low income can receive mediation funded by the government. The new Legal Aid Agency scheme provides funding for a single mediation session for both parties even if just one of them qualifies for legal aid.
Next week is Family Mediation Week, which aims to raise awareness of mediation and how it can help separating families manage their issues collaboratively and productively.
Family mediation aims to encourage separating couples to sit down together and work out solutions to the financial and family-based issues that can be part of separation or divorce. The goal is for both partners to come to an amicable agreement which suits everyone involved, avoiding the costs – literally and figuratively – of bitter battles in court. Mediation can help to secure a far better outcome for couples and children – it tends to be quicker, less costly and less combative than resolving issues through court or solicitors.
Today I woke up to the news about yesterday’s attacks in Paris, such shocking and terrible deeds committed with precision, planning and co-ordination to do the very thing they set out to do, perpetuate this war of terror, pain, anguish and human annihilation.
In The same week we commemorated Armistice Day………well words here actually fail me!
My deepest sympathies and prayers for Paris and all those affected.
Whilst you are reading this, you are connected to the wonderful web, there are many elderly folk who are not and they do not always have the facility to get out or to ‘switch off’ by flicking between media.
Some may have no family/friends to reassure them so be a good neighbour, and look out for the elderly in your area, join a reputable national/ local organisation as a volunteer or print out some of the following organisations telephone numbers and slip them through the letterbox.
Are you an older person ( not just for grandparents) with time on your hands or time to spare? Do you wish to share a skill or even some stories with the younger generation? Do you wish to feel more connected in your community? Then come along and have a natter, a cuppa and some yummy cake! Click on the link below and find out more!
When I was twelve, I was coming home from swimming at my neighbor’s dock when I saw an ambulance’s flashing lights in our driveway. I still remember the asphalt burning my feet as I stood, paralyzed, and watched the paramedics take away my father. It was as if I knew those flashing lights were a harbinger that my childhood was over.
Grandparent Support 
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