Kelli and Trina - Fostering and the Next Generation

I've always liked the story of the child who, on seeing millions of starfish beached on the sand as the tide was going out, started throwing them back into the water. When a parent suggested that the child could not save them all and asked what difference it would make, the child tossed another one in and  replied "Made a difference to THAT one!"

I recently met a couple (young Gen-Xs) who have certainly made a difference to some starfish, and whose story might encourage others.

First thing to note is that Kelli and Trina clearly have a loving and stable relationship, and both have strong family foundations.

After ten years together, and some fun-filled years, this couple started thinking of ways that they could add more substance to their life together and thoughts of children came into focus.

During the ensuing discovery journey, they both recognised the huge need for foster carers, and that it was something they could do something about.

After conversations with close friends and family, they made some enquiries at an agency that handles some of the most challenging cases, and now, about five years later, they have opened their hearts and home to three children. Currently, Kelli and Trina are full time foster carers for a nearly 14-year-old girl, something that they actually love to do!

Kelli works in the emergency services area and has been exposed in her work to children who require protection, and Trina has a background in early childhood education. They don't see their fostering as an alternative to having their own children. "We just love that we are helping a girl to develop into a young woman who will be able to make empowered and positive decisions as an adult," Kelli told me.

Trina asserts that you don’t have to be super to be a foster carer, even if that is the perception. “The children don’t judge you and don’t care, just that their needs are being met.”

And both these remarkable women acknowledge that their fostering experience so far has added a new dimension to their relationship and that they see each other through a different and exciting prism.

More information about fostering in NSW:  Fostering NSW or ACWA

or check out Fostering NSW on facebook

My AFM for Tony

This month, I'm doing Dry July. It's a fund-raising initiative in support of adults living with cancer.

The idea is that you pledge to abstain from alcohol for a month - this month - and ask people to sponsor you. Their donations go towards providing or improving facilities at hospitals that treat cancer patients.

My nominated beneficiary is the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, in Sydney.

So have an alcohol free month (AFM), give your liver a rest, raise some money and feel really good, right?

Not so quickly. Why has Dr July caught on with so many people (more than 17,000 registered this year so far)? Why am I doing it for a second time? Why have so many media outlets supported it? Read on, and it might resonate.

Well it turns out that everyone has been touched by cancer. It's generationally agnostic. Often, people indicate that there is someone in particular for whom they are doing an AFM, someone who has cancer, has recovered from cancer or who has died from cancer.

In my case, I am doing DJ 2013 in memory of my very good friend, Tony Prince. After being diagnosed with GI cancer just after Christmas 2012, Tony died in May, surrounded by his family and having received very good support and management, and eventually palliative care at home and finally in hospital.

The facilities and support for people with cancer make a huge difference, and Tony acknowledged the incredible kindness and dedication of those with whom he came into contact over the last few months of his life.

Tony and his whole family are very special to me and my family. That's all I need to say. So while I grieve with the Prince family, I give thanks to God for the 25 years or so years that we have been friends. He and the whole family are part of my life story, have shared many of my highs and some of my lows.

This is not intended to be a eulogy to Tony, but he is definitely a very good illustration of why so many people have decided to make July an AFM. In a small way, and in a way that might make things a bit better for the patients, their families and friends and the dedicated people who work in hospital cancer clinics, it makes a big difference. So for a month I give up the evening wine or three, and the occasional beer or two. It feels pretty good, and in honour of Tony, my mum and all the people in our lives who we have lost to cancer, it makes a positive difference to thousands of cancer patients.

If you reckon you would like to do it yourself - for your own personal reasons - then go to Dry July and  check it out. While there, you can sponsor someone, or a team. Donations are tax deductible. Be surprised by the responses.

If you want to sponsor me, and send a message or even buy me a "golden ticket" then thanks. For me, with a painfully clear head and a range of alternative non alcohol beverages  I will celebrate the life of my friend Tony. I reckon he'd have had a good laugh about me having an AFM! Then again he'd probably have sponsored me, too.

Cheers Tony!

Young Sheps in Sydney

This week, I was re-united with relatives, late Gen X / early Gen Y (thirty somethings) couple and their three children, who stopped in to Sydney for a week as part of a three year mission to travel Australia.

Packed in plenty during a quick Sydney visit, but
back on the bus tomorrow

"It's been my dream since before we were married," Ted told me.

This remarkable couple are about seven months in to their adventure, and stop where work opportunities arise, while soaking up so much of what Australia offers.

Ted has a farming background and a trade (fitter and turner), and as such, offers unbelievable value to anyone who happens gain his services. He's currently working with a farmer somewhere between Young and Cootamundra.

What a joy to spend some time with these guys, as they pursue their great adventure, lovingly lead and teach their children (6, 8 and 9) through life lessons - as well as the online school - and create lifelong memories.

Not Bali, Europe or South America for these Gen Ys, but a journey of a lifetime and discovery around the most desirable travel destination in the world. For this young family though, they've decided to take  the time to smell the grass, dirt, sand, cities and anything else that takes their fancy.

And it's all getting captured and shared via blog by Kylie. It turns out that you can get anywhere from Cummins.


If you see a big red bus, custom fitted out by Ted, and towing a troopy called Hector, it might be the Sheps, so take a moment and say G'day.


Thanks so much for stopping by. Safe travels, great jobs and many happy days to the young Sheps.