Ngā mihi o te Tau Hou, Caring Families o te Taitokerau, Happy New Year, Northland Caring Families 

I had a week of sun, sand and sea in beautiful Ahipara the week before Christmas, and then enjoyed a home ‘staycation’ whilst providing respite care for a whānau who desperately needed a rest.   

Dennis and I have had a very real reminder of the strains and struggles of holiday times for whānau/foster caregivers.  When most are sleeping in and planning pleasurable activities, we have been up early for quiet time and planning how to minimize opportunities for ruptures and incidents that can ‘claim your calm’!   

We don’t always get the desired result, but we claim the victories when they come.  It’s satisfying but exhausting stuff, but we keep looking for the ‘gold in the cracks’ (google kintsugi pottery). 

May you find your quiet place to replenish yourselves physically, mentally and spiritually, one day at a time. 

Keep calm and keep caring. 

Leanne Brownie