I spend a lot of time suggesting that we shouldn’t look back, that we need to live in the moment, but at this time of the year we all reflect on the passing year.
For me personally 2023 has not been a great year.
Health issues with Marc have been my main focus, and those of you who are supporting a loved one through illness will understand, it is just so very hard to watch those special people suffering.
Trying to be strong in front of them takes it toll and many an hour have been spent shedding tears in the garage. This is clearly not helpful to anyone.
As we are all growing older our lives do change and we have to learn to adapt.
My role in running BGSG has not been easy this year either, with all sorts of unpleasant behaviours of others, who continue to discredit me and BGSG, but what I have learnt as a result is that BGSG is bigger than any mud slinging, and that is down to the members who always pull together for the sake of those who need our support.
For those group leaders who have also experienced some difficult times this year, remember what you set your group up for. That was to give help and support to very vulnerable grandparents as soon as they need it, you are without a doubt all life savers. It doesn’t matter how big or small your groups are, your empathy is priceless and enables grandparents to find a way through their living bereavement.
Don’t be swayed off course, keep doing exactly what you have always done.
As we approach a new year, there is no doubt that the way we deal with family breakdown is changing, the President of Family Division has publicly stated that we need to find another way.
In my opinion, when there is a breakdown in families, all members of the family need help and support, particularly the children, not the adversarial court route.
We are looking at society and cultural change, where education is key.
Children learning at a very early age of their responsibilities when they have children of their own, that yes sometimes relationships don’t work but when that happens their responsibility is to put the children first.
A society where it is socially unacceptable to deny contact to a parent or grandparent, unless there is a proven safeguarding issue. As socially unacceptable as is drink driving, or getting into a car and not putting your seat belt on.
We can make this change but we need to be working together with everyone who is putting the children at the forefront of everything we do within family breakdown.
So although I shall be glad to kick 2023 out the door, I am hopeful for what awaits us in 2024.
On a wonderful note,many congratulations to our Patron Erin Pizzey who today has been awarded a CBE in the New Years Honours list, this is so richly deserved.
Let us all be receptive to change.
