Return-Path: X-Original-To: info@ausheart.com.au Delivered-To: info@ausheart.com.au Received: from localhost (marlin.fishinternet.com.au [127.0.0.1]) by marlin.fishinternet.com.au (Postfix) with ESMTP id 107EFDEB5D for ; Sun, 19 Nov 2006 09:18:18 +1100 (EST) Received: from marlin.fishinternet.com.au ([127.0.0.1]) by localhost (marlin.fishinternet.com.au [127.0.0.1]) (amavisd-new, port 10024) with ESMTP id 10997-08 for ; Sun, 19 Nov 2006 09:18:04 +1100 (EST) Received-SPF: none (marlin.fishinternet.com.au: 203.16.214.141 is neither permitted nor denied by domain of fathersonline.org) client-ip=203.16.214.141; envelope-from=info@fathersonline.org; helo=ipmail02.adl2.internode.on.net; Received: from ipmail02.adl2.internode.on.net (ipmail02.adl2.internode.on.net [203.16.214.141]) by marlin.fishinternet.com.au (Postfix) with ESMTP id 6C9B6DEB61 for ; Sun, 19 Nov 2006 09:18:04 +1100 (EST) Received: from eth2643.nsw.adsl.internode.on.net (HELO polyglot.com.au) ([150.101.193.82]) by ipmail02.adl2.internode.on.net with ESMTP; 19 Nov 2006 08:48:01 +1030 X-IronPort-AV: i="4.09,437,1157293800"; d="scan'208,217"; a="47967300:sNHT193254012" Received: from server ([192.168.100.14]) by polyglot.com.au with Microsoft SMTPSVC(6.0.3790.1830); Sun, 19 Nov 2006 09:18:54 +1100 Thread-Topic: The Path Less Travelled Reply-To: Message-ID: <4377301c70b5f$884e9b00$0101a8c0@polyglot.local> thread-index: AccLX4hJXb7mu4nJR1qDK4akhN5J8g== From: To: Subject: The Path Less Travelled Date: Sun, 19 Nov 2006 09:18:54 +1100 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary="----=_NextPart_000_43774_01C70BBB.BBBF1300" X-Mailer: Microsoft CDO for Exchange 2000 Content-Class: urn:content-classes:message Importance: normal Priority: normal X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V6.00.3790.2757 X-OriginalArrivalTime: 18 Nov 2006 22:18:54.0015 (UTC) FILETIME=[8850E4F0:01C70B5F] X-TM-AS-Product-Ver: SMEX-7.2.0.1122-3.6.1039-14820.000 X-TM-AS-Result: No--7.638200-5.000000-31 X-Virus-Scanned: amavisd-new at fishinternet.com.au X-NAS-BWL: Found match for 'info@fathersonline.org' on the allowed list (2081 addresses, 0 domains) X-NAS-Classification: 0 X-NAS-MessageID: 5628 X-NAS-Validation: {FF825B7A-B161-40BD-90F8-3582DAE91A1E} This is a multi-part message in MIME format. ------=_NextPart_000_43774_01C70BBB.BBBF1300 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable =20 =20 Unable to read this email? Please click here =20 =20 Issue 221 - 13 th November, 2006 Go to our website Here =20 =20 * Hello Warwick * Grandads * Laughter * Single Dads=20 * All you need is Love * Thought of the Week * Special Feature * News & Info * Dad's Prayer * Help Us Hello Warwick =20 =20 On the final night of the 'Good to Great' Fatherhood Mentoring Course I asked the men to tell me the role of a father. The answers started flying thick and fast: provider, protector, leader, servant, mentor, friend, nurturer, lover, priest, encourager, teacher, example, counsellor and entertainer. Being a singer I liked the idea of entertainer. Perhaps it appealed to my ever-present ego. =20 One of the guys yelled out, "Sacrifice," but I pointed out that this was more a quality then a role. "Perhaps," I said' "We should put 'sacrifice' in the middle of the pie chart as this is the core quality needed for all other roles to succeed." Everyone seemed to agree, although none of us really liked the idea. =20 At the recent Hillsong Men's conference one of the speakers said that there is a longing in men's hearts for greatness. The problems begin when we want to take the glory for the greatness for ourselves. The challenge we face as men is that the path to greatness is littered with sacrifice. Dr M Scott Peck sums it up well in his six million copy bestseller, 'The Road Less Travelled'. So does my good friend Noel Giblett in his new album, 'Welcome to Midlife'. In many ways 'Welcome to Midlife' is a call to arms, or should I say a call to lay down our arms. Musically it is rather like Jackson Brown talking with Joni Mitchell who meets Leonard Cohen who is counselling Don Mclean who is struggling with depression and drinking coffee with James Taylor who has been listening to Neil Young. The wistful melodies get into your heart and mind and after a few listens it becomes like a pair of comfy slippers that are always nice to put on after a hard day's work. =20 However the lyrics of 'Welcome to Midlife' are a tad discomforting. The truth is never pleasant at the best of times. The very title, Welcome to Midlife, could send any testosterone filled masculine soul into crisis. There are no songs about what it feels like to own a new Harley Davidson but plenty about the world at large for men, a man's internal world, the high cost of love, the search for authentic self, spiritual realities and the essence of life in the path littered with sacrifice as the road less travelled. Noel Giblett, being a true troubadour, knows that a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down and is not adverse to some lighter observations on life, or the subtle use of humour. The fact that Noel Giblett is a practising psychotherapist and manager of Lifeline in Perth WA has given him some deep insights into the human condition and the many challenges men face in our highly matriarchal society. If you would like to enjoy some more of Noel's musical wisdom, check out: www.noelgiblett.com.au =20 =20 Sacrifice is one of the inescapable realities of life. For the male ego, even the thought is repulsive. Mothers embrace sacrifice as a daily necessity, but fathers sometimes tremble at the thought. Maybe that is why the word 'mother' is the most popular word in the English language but the word 'father' doesn't even make it into the top one hundred. Don't forget that may be one reason you are reading this newsletter, so that you can be assaulted by such brutal thoughts. On second thoughts maybe you should listen to some good music that contains the same message. After all a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down. =20 Lovework =20 Great songwriters are generally great because they tell the truth, with some notable exceptions. Music can be part of the healing process if we let it. Why not put your slippers on, sit back in your comfy chair, drink a coffee and enjoy some musical moments that will encourage you to take the path less travelled. =20 Yours for the path less travelled Warwick Marsh =20 PS Good news: Tony Miller's daughter is out of casualty and getting better. Another piece of good news: Richard Rohr's tour across Australia has been sold out and Rob Jones from MTM Australia is more than pleased. Rohr is a world renowned author who specialises in men's spirituality and men's rites of passage. For further information and resources visit: www.mtmaustralia.org.au or phone Rob Jones on 07 3876 8710 ___________________________________________________________ Warwick Marsh has been married to Alison for 30 years. He is=20 the father of five children, four boys and one girl, ranging in age from 25 years to 14 years. Warwick is a musician, songwriter, producer and public speaker who likes to think he can still laugh at himself. back to top=20 =20 Grandads =20 =20 =20 =20 Life is difficult.=20 This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths. =20 Dr M Scott Peck =20 back to top=20 =20 Laughter =20 =20 =20 =20 A man and his wife went on vacation to Jerusalem. While they were there, the wife got ill and died. The undertaker told the husband, "We can ship her home for $5,000 or you can bury her her,in the holy land for $150.00. The man thought about and said he wanted to ship her home. The undertaker asked, " Why would you spend $5,000 to ship your wife home when it could be wonderful to be buried here and you spend only $150.00?" The man replied, "Long ago a man died here, was buried here, and three days later rose from the dead. I can't take that risk." back to top=20 =20 Single Dads=20 =20 SHANNON IS OFF LIFE SUPPORT =20 =20 Day 31 - 14 November 2006=20 =20 The trackie was taken out today, the ventilator switched off, the feeding tube removed and also the catheter. For the first time in 31 days Shannon was able to speak. We celebrated with me going up the shop and bringing back chicken and chips and a bottle of coke. Well the nurses did say she could eat whatever she wanted. She didn't eat much but she enjoyed it and that's what she wanted. Nurse after nurse has stopped in as they have walked past her bed surprised to see her without the trackie and to say "is that what your voice sounds like?" I guess that they are happy with themselves for another life saved and so they should be. And I guess they see a big smile on my face as well.=20 =20 The first thing she said was "dad, I will be home for Christmas, you just watch". I know she will. She said she had bought Rhys (her son) a Christmas tree and she is determined to be home to set it up for him. And I reckon she will too.=20 =20 You know, kids grow up so fast, before we know it they are adults with a family of their own. I missed so much of my little girl's life that I am so grateful of the time I now have with her. It's made me realise how precious life is and how easy it can be taken away. How every moment counts and how I need to eliminate the word 'LATER' when asked by my children to spend time with them. It's made me realise that if you don't act on life, life has a habit of acting on you. The greatest gift you can give your kids is the gift of your time and in doing that you also receive a gift back, their love and there is no greater gift than your children's love.=20 =20 I saw Kelly's parents running back and forth to the ward today. I didn't interrupt them, I didn't want to impose on them. Our thoughts, prayers and energy are enough to keep them and Kelly going. I see there are lots of messages from all over the world coming in. Few things energise the human spirit more than the desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Keep it coming and we may just see Kelly home for Christmas, wouldn't that be nice.........=20 =20 LEAVE A MESSAGE FOR KELLY AND HER FAMILY (CLICK HERE) =20 =20 Tony Miller=20 Founder Dads in Distress www.dadsindistress.asn.au =20 back to top=20 =20 All you need is Love Why We're Thankful for Family =20 =20 For live links to full details and citations on each finding visit: http://www.familyfacts.org/=20 =20 1. Children raised in intact families have, on average, higher academic achievement, better emotional health, and fewer behavioural problems. =20 2. Fathers of intact families spend, on average, more time with their children. =20 =20 3. Teens who frequently have dinner with their families are at a lower risk for substance abuse. =20 4. Adolescents from intact families are less likely to become sexually active.=20 =20 5. Children raised in intact families by happily married parents tend to be more religious in adulthood.=20 =20 6. Children raised in intact families are more likely to have stable and healthy romantic relationships as adults. =20 7. Intact families are more likely to provide a safe home for children. =20 8. Married mothers tend to create a better home environment for their infants.=20 =20 9. Married mothers are less likely to experience abuse and violence.=20 =20 10. Married fathers tend to have better psychological wellbeing. back to top=20 =20 Thought of the Week =20 Pathways By Noel Giblett =20 =20 Childhood is a world of wonder Boyhood is a land of dreams And no matter what the grown-ups try to tell you Everything seems as it seems =20 =20 Then somebody lifts the veil Somebody parts the clouds And the light shines onto everything Dark and light, joy and pain =20 But it's alright Everything belongs Yes it's alright Even the things that go wrong . . .=20 =20 From 'Welcome to Midlife' =A9 2006 =20 back to top=20 =20 Special Feature =20 =20 Three Generations of Soccer - Three Generations of Dads By Richard Hardy =20 I was born in England and was pretty much raised on soccer. My dad was a great goal keeper in his day and has a great passion for the game. As a child I can always remember his bent nose which was a 'war wound' from his goal keeping days. He had come out into the penalty box to intercept a striker and received a boot in the nose, breaking it and pushing the bridge to the right. It gave him such a distinct look - I always thought he was so strong and so brave to have made such a save. =20 Dad was involved - he took an interest in us and spent time with my brothers (I'm the oldest of 4 boys) and I. He coached my soccer team from under 9's through to under 15's. He took us from a rabble in the under 9/division 9, through to being premiers and champions for under 11, 12, 13, 14 and eventually under 15/division 1. It was a great achievement for him and the team. During this time it gave Dad and I a common interest, something to talk about, something to be passionate about. I learnt so many valuable lessons from these years - how to be gracious in defeat and humble in victory, how to be part of a team, to never give up, that everything you do improves with practice and to always give your best. I didn't realise it at the time but through Dad's example I was also learning how to be an involved dad. =20 I didn't play club soccer from 15 through to age 40 but then my son turned 6 and decided he wanted to play, suddenly my interest in the game was revived. My son now plays soccer for the very same club I did 25 years ago. In his first season I remember standing around listening to the club official discuss the arrangements for the season. When he asked for a volunteer to coach, I didn't even have to think about it - my Dad did it for me and I was going to do it for my son and I stuck my hand up "I'll do it," I said, hoping that I wasn't going to have any competition for the position. =20 So on cold and crisp Saturday mornings in winter our family (including my dad) travel to the same parks and watch my son play the same clubs I did 25 years ago, except now I'm the coach. Through my son, Dad and I are reliving all those seasons from many years ago and it has brought back so many wonderful memories for us both. =20 So back in July with our love for the game reignited, three generations, grandfather, father and son settled down to watch the World Cup at all hours of the morning. It was so inspiring to see Australia matching it with world class teams and the three of us shared the highs and the lows together. In one of our post-match discussions my son out of the blue said; "Hey Dad, when I have a son and I coach him soccer, it will be a dad (pointing at his grandfather), coaching a dad (pointing at me), coaching a dad (pointing to himself)." Dad and I smiled at each other, it seemed as though my son had already gained a great sense of family. In a simplistic way too he was starting to understand how things can be passed from one generation to another. =20 You don't have to be a soccer coach to be involved with your children - it's just one way of spending time with them. The most important thing is that you do spend time with them in a way that works for you. Maybe it's backyard cricket, fishing, building a model aircraft, bike riding or just reading a book together. Regardless of how you choose to do it, don't ever forget that the example you set, the lessons you teach and the love you give as a dad today will have flow on effects for generations to come. Is there any other work you do that comes close to being as important? =20 Richard has been married for 12 years. He has an 8 year old son and a 6 year old daughter. Richard considers that his most important work is to be the best dad he can be for his children. He holds an associate position at an international engineering consultancy where he works as a civil engineer. back to top=20 =20 News & Info =20 =20 =20 =20 =20 =20 =20 =20 =20 =20 =20 =20 =20 =20 =20 =20 =20 =20 =20 =20 Mens Health starts with Men Support=20 =20 Prostrate Cancer Research and Male Depression whcih are two of the largest areas which threaten Mens health and survival =20 1. Men are far less healthy than women. The average life expectancy of males is 6 years less than females.=20 2. Every year in Australia 2,700 men die of prostate cancer - more than the number of women who die from breast cancer.=20 3. Depression affects 1 in 6 men-Most don't seek help. Untreated depression is a leading risk factor for suicide. Rates of suicide are more than double the national road toll.=20 Movember (the month formally known as November) is a charity event held during November each year. =20 At the start of Movember guys register with a clean shaven face. The Movember participants known as Mo Bros then have the remainder of the month to grow and groom their moustache and along the way raise as much money and awareness about male health issues as possible.=20 =20 Movember culminates at the end of the month at the gala parties. These glamorous and groomed events will see Tom Selleck and David Boon look-a-likes battle it out on the catwalk for their chance to take home the prestigious Man of Movember title. =20 Whilst growing a mo' is left to the guys, Mo Sistas (ladies that support their guys or love mo's!) form an important part of Movember with their powerful feminine touch, by recruiting Mo Bros, helping to raise funds and attending the highly anticipated Gala Parties.=20 =20 But its not all fun and games, so why the extreme behaviour? =20 Which ever way we look at it, men are far less healthy than women. The average life expectancy for men is 6 years less than females. =20 The obvious question is why?=20 Part of the answer is a lack of awareness about the very real health issues faced by males. The good old "she'll be right" attitude and a reluctance to see a doctor about an illness or for regular medical checks also contributes to the problem.=20 =20 The aim of Movember is to change this attitude, make male health fun by putting the MO back on the face of fashion and in the process raise some serious funds for key male health issues.=20 =20 The key male health causes for Movember 2006 are:=20 =20 Prostate Cancer in partnership with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia ( www.prostate.org.au ) because every year in Australia 2,700 men die of prostate cancer - more than the number of women who die from breast cancer.=20 =20 Male Depression in partnership with Beyond Blue ( www.beyondblue.org.au ) because one in six men suffer from depression at any given time but most don't seek help.=20 =20 Testicular Cancer because it's the second most common cancer in young men aged 18 to 35. =20 We challenge you to change the face of men's health... =20 www.movember.com.au =20 _________________________________________________________ =20 DNA Test rights for Duped dads http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20764232-2,00.html _________________________________________________________ Lack of Care is Harming Children STRESSED parents who work long hours are putting their children at increased risk of developing behavioural and mental problems later in life, according to a new report. http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20780084-421,00.html ________________________________________________________ Fair Divorce Forum Wests Illawarra Sports Club 7.00pm Monday 20th of November Unanderra, Wollongong NSW Speakers:=20 J. Flanagon W. Marsh J. Dakers J. Ajaka (State Liberal Party) B. Williams T. Delbanco (Fair Divorce) _________________________________________________________ =20 Hey, Dad=20 for fathers who have a child with a disability is a new addition to the Hey Dad series of programs and is being developed in partnership between Burnside, Centacare Broken Bay and The Spastic Centre and Lifestart with funding from FaCSIA.=20 =20 6-7 February 2007 =20 7 Blackwood Place, Nth Parramatta Ph: Andrew King on 0412 404 577 =20 This training supports facilitators to target dads who have a child with a disability, and provide Dads and Kids Playgroups and a Dads' Workshops in either a three or five hour format. The training provides a suggested program and resources for workers to facilitate both types of groups. Themes explored in the Dads' Workshops include: - working in partnership with service providers =20 - juggling the needs of your family, work and your own needs - balancing the needs of other family members - encouraging your child's emotional growth=20 - focusing on the future =20 The program will help organisations that support families who have children with disabilities, to involve fathers more easily into their service. When both workshops are provided once per school term, the manual provides enough resources to deliver an 18-month program. =20 ________________________________________________________ =20 Letters Dear Fatherhood Foundation, Saturday, November 18, 2006 5:30 PM Subject: WRITE! 'DNA testing and the public's opinion.' The Paternity Fraud Web site web site will soon be updated so that you can post your opinion on the site( if you so wish ). All opinions will be collected and submitted to the legislators. We plan for this to be up and operating by Monday 20th Nov 2006. Cheryl King www.PaternityFraudAustralia.com.au =20 =20 =20 =20 =20 =20 =20 =20 =20 For One Night Only =20 Saturday 9th December, 2006 at KULCHA 1st Floor 13 South Terrace Fremantle. (above Dome Cafe') Tickets at www.kulcha.com.au or phone 9336 4544=20 =20 back to top=20 =20 Dad's Prayer =20 Take This Body By Noel Giblett =20 This is a moment=20 Life many others Just one step On a very long walk But I can feel I'm about to stumble Let myself down=20 Despite all the talk =20 Wish I was different Not like the others Wish I could rise Above this world But I'm a man Who needs some humbling Needs reminding What I am =20 Yes take this body With all its longings And take this soul With all it holds Teach me to wait For my final freedom At home in You At home in me =20 This is a battle Like any other And I am a warrior in the field Tho' I be wounded=20 I won't surrender=20 Tho' I be weakened=20 I will not yield =20 Yes take this spirit Tho' it be broken And take this soul With all it tries to hold Teach me to walk Whatever the weather Whatever the weight To Your door =20 Yes take this body With all its longings And take this soul With all it tries to hold Teach me to wait For my final freedom At home in You=20 At home in me =20 'Welcome to Midlife' =A9 2006 =20 back to top=20 =20 Help Us Click here for more information about us =20 Help Us! The Fatherhood Foundation is a Harm Prevention Charity.=20 Fatherlessness and inadequate fathering has been proven to be a source of harm.=20 The Fatherhood Foundation helps children by promoting excellence in fathering. Excellent fathers are in word and deed: responsible, involved, protective, loving and committed to the well-being of their children and their children's mother. If you would like to give financially to the Fatherhood Foundation Public Fund and receive tax deductibility: Fatherhood Foundation Public Fund=20 (Name, address and amount details must be emailed for a receipt for tax deductibility) Westpac Branch Wollongong BSB: 032 695 A/C: 25-5558=20 Or mail cheque and address details to: PO Box 440 WOLLONGONG NSW 2520 AUSTRALIA The Fatherhood Foundation Public Fund is a public fund listed on the Register of Harm Prevention Charities under Subdivision 30_EA of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. You have received the fathersonline.org newsletter because you have subscribed, or you have been subscribed by a friend. If you do not wish to receive future emails, please click the UNSUBSCRIBE button below or send an email to info@fathersonline.org with the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject heading. back to top=20 Click Here to Unsubscribe =20 ------=_NextPart_000_43774_01C70BBB.BBBF1300 Content-Type: text/html; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Fatherhood Foundation
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Issue 221 - 13 th November, 2006 Go to our website Here


Hello Warwick

 

On the final night of the 'Good to Great' Fatherhood Mentoring Course I asked the men to tell me the role of a father.  The answers started flying thick and fast: provider, protector, leader, servant, mentor, friend, nurturer, lover, priest, encourager, teacher, example, counsellor and entertainer. Being a singer I liked the idea of entertainer.  Perhaps it appealed to my ever-present ego.

 

One of the guys yelled out, "Sacrifice," but I pointed out that this was more a quality then a role.  "Perhaps," I said' "We should put 'sacrifice' in the middle of the pie chart as this is the core quality needed for all other roles to succeed."  Everyone seemed to agree, although none of us really liked the idea.

 

At the recent Hillsong Men's conference one of the speakers said that there is a longing in men's hearts for greatness.  The problems begin when we want to take the glory for the greatness for ourselves. The challenge we face as men is that the path to greatness is littered with sacrifice. Dr M Scott Peck sums it up well in his six million copy bestseller, 'The Road Less Travelled'. So does my good friend Noel Giblett in his new album, 'Welcome to Midlife'. In many ways 'Welcome to Midlife' is a call to arms, or should I say a call to lay down our arms. Musically it is rather like Jackson Brown talking with Joni Mitchell who meets Leonard Cohen who is counselling Don Mclean who is struggling with depression and drinking coffee with James Taylor who has been listening to Neil Young.  The wistfu l melodies get into your heart and mind and after a few listens it becomes like a pair of comfy slippers that are always nice to put on after a hard day's work.

 

However the lyrics of 'Welcome to Midlife' are a tad discomforting. The truth is never pleasant at the best of times. The very title, Welcome to Midlife, could send any testosterone filled masculine soul into crisis. There are no songs about what it feels like to own a new Harley Davidson but plenty about the world at large for men, a man's internal world, the high cost of love, the search for authentic self, spiritual realities and the essence of life in the path littered with sacrifice as the road less travelled.  Noel Giblett, being a true troubadour, knows that a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down and is not adverse to some lighter observations on life, or the subtle use of humour.  The fact that Noel Giblett is a practising psychotherapist and manager of Lifeline in Perth WA has given him some deep insights into the human condition and the many challenges men face in our highly matriarchal society.  If you would like to enjoy some more of Noel's musical wisdom, check out: www.noelgiblett.com.au

 

Sacrifice is one of the inescapable realities of life. For the male ego, even the thought is repulsive. Mothers embrace sacrifice as a daily necessity, but fathers sometimes tremble at the thought. Maybe that is why the word 'mother' is the most popular word in the English language but the word 'father' doesn't even make it into the top one hundred.  Don't forget that may be one reason you are reading this newsletter, so that you can be assaulted by such brutal thoughts.  On second thoughts maybe you should listen to some good music that contains the same message.  After all a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.

 

Lovework

 

Great songwriters are generally great because they tell the truth, with some notable exceptions. Music can be part of the healing process if we let it. Why not put your slippers on, sit back in your comfy chair, drink a coffee and enjoy some musical moments that will encourage you to take the path less travelled.

 

Yours for the path less travelled

Warwick Marsh

 

PS Good news: Tony Miller's daughter is out of casualty and getting better. Another piece of good news: Richard Rohr's tour across Australia has been sold out and Rob Jones from MTM Australia is more than pleased. Rohr is a world renowned author who specialises in men's spirituality and men's rites of passage. For further information and resources visit: www.mtmaustralia.org.au  or phone Rob Jones on 07 3876 8710

___________________________________________________________


Warwick Marsh  has been married to Alison for 30 years. He is
the father of five children, four boys and one girl, ranging in age from 25 years to 14 years.  Warwick is a musician, songwriter, producer and public speaker who likes to think he can still laugh at himself.

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Grandads

 

 

Life is difficult.

This is a great truth,

one of the greatest truths.

 

Dr M Scott Peck

 

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Laughter

 
 
 
 
A man and his wife went on vacation to Jerusalem. While they were there, the wife got ill and died.
The undertaker told the husband, "We  can ship her home for $5,000 or you can bury her her,in the holy land for $150.00.
The man thought about and said he wanted to ship her home.
The undertaker asked, " Why would you spend $5,000 to ship your wife home when it could be wonderful to be buried here and you spend only $150.00?"
The man replied, "Long ago a man died here, was buried here, and three days later rose from the dead. I can't take that risk."

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Single Dads

 

SHANNON IS OFF LIFE SUPPORT

 

Day 31 - 14 November 2006

 

The trackie was taken out today, the ventilator switched off, the feeding tube removed and also the catheter. For the first time in 31 days Shannon was able to speak. We celebrated with me going up the shop and bringing back chicken and chips and a bottle of coke. Well the nurses did say she could eat whatever she wanted. She didn't eat much but she enjoyed it and that's what she wanted. Nurse after nurse has stopped in as they have walked past her bed surprised to see her without the trackie and to say "is that what your voice sounds like?" I guess that they are happy with themselves for another life saved and so they should be. And I guess they see a big smile on my face as well.

 

The first thing she said was "dad, I will be home for Christmas, you just watch". I know she will. She said she had bought Rhys (her son) a Christmas tree and she is determined to be home to set it up for him. And I reckon she will too.

 

You know, kids grow up so fast, before we know it they are adults with a family of their own. I missed so much of my little girl's life that I am so grateful of the time I now have with her. It's made me realise how precious life is and how easy it can be taken away. How every moment counts and how I need to eliminate the word 'LATER' when asked by my children to spend time with them. It's made me realise that if you don't act on life, life has a habit of acting on you. The greatest gift you can give your kids is the gift of your time and in doing that you also receive a gift back, their love and there is no greater gift than your children's love.

 

I saw Kelly's parents running back and forth to the ward today. I didn't interrupt them, I didn't want to impose on them. Our thoughts, prayers and energy are enough to keep them and Kelly going. I see there are lots of messages from all over the world coming in. Few things energise the human spirit more than the desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Keep it coming and we may just see Kelly home for Christmas, wouldn't that be nice.........

 

 LEAVE A MESSAGE FOR KELLY AND HER FAMILY (CLICK HERE)

 

Tony Miller

Founder Dads in Distress

www.dadsindistress.asn.au

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All you need is Love

Why We're Thankful for Family

 

For live links to full details and citations on each finding visit:

http://www.familyfacts.org/

 

1. Children raised in intact families have, on average, higher academic achievement, better emotional health, and fewer behavioural problems.

 

2. Fathers of intact families spend, on average, more time with their children. 

 

3. Teens who frequently have dinner with their families are at a lower risk for substance abuse.

 

4. Adolescents from intact families are less likely to become sexually active.

 

5. Children raised in intact families by happily married parents tend to be more religious in adulthood.

 

6. Children raised in intact families are more likely to have stable and healthy romantic relationships as adults.

 

7. Intact families are more likely to provide a safe home for children.

 

8. Married mothers tend to create a better home environment for their infants.

 

9. Married mothers are less likely to experience abuse and violence.

 

10. Married fathers tend to have better psychological wellbeing.

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Thought of the Week

 

Pathways

By Noel Giblett

 

Childhood is a world of wonder

Boyhood is a land of dreams

And no matter what the grown-ups try to tell you

Everything seems as it seems

 

 

Then somebody lifts the veil

Somebody parts the clouds

And the light shines onto everything

Dark and light, joy and pain

 

But it's alright

Everything belongs

Yes it's alright

Even the things that go wrong . . .

 

From 'Welcome to Midlife' © 2006

 

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Special Feature

 

Three Generations of Soccer - Three Generations of Dads

By Richard Hardy

 

I was born in England and was pretty much raised on soccer.  My dad was a great goal keeper in his day and has a great passion for the game.  As a child I can always remember his bent nose which was a 'war wound' from his goal keeping days.  He had come out into the penalty box to intercept a striker and received a boot in the nose, breaking it and pushing the bridge to the right.  It gave him such a distinct look - I always thought he was so strong and so brave to have made such a save.

 

Dad was involved - he took an interest in us and spent time with my brothers (I'm the oldest of 4 boys) and I.  He coached my soccer team from under 9's through to under 15's.  He took us from a rabble in the under 9/division 9, through to being premiers and champions for under 11, 12, 13, 14 and eventually under 15/division 1.  It was a great achievement for him and the team.  During this time it gave Dad and I a common interest, something to talk about, something to be passionate about.  I learnt so many valuable lessons from these years - how to be gracious in defeat and humble in victory, how to be part of a team, to never give up, tha t everything you do improves with practice and to always give your best.  I didn't realise it at the time but through Dad's example I was also learning how to be an involved dad.

 

I didn't play club soccer from 15 through to age 40 but then my son turned 6 and decided he wanted to play, suddenly my interest in the game was revived. My son now plays soccer for the very same club I did 25 years ago.  In his first season I remember standing around listening to the club official discuss the arrangements for the season.  When he asked for a volunteer to coach, I didn't even have to think about it - my Dad did it for me and I was going to do it for my son and I stuck my hand up "I'll do it," I said, hoping that I wasn't going to have any competition for the position.

 

So on cold and crisp Saturday mornings in winter our family (including my dad) travel to the same parks and watch my son play the same clubs I did 25 years ago, except now I'm the coach. Through my son, Dad and I are reliving all those seasons from many years ago and it has brought back so many wonderful memories for us both.

 

So back in July with our love for the game reignited, three generations, grandfather, father and son settled down to watch the World Cup at all hours of the morning. It was so inspiring to see Australia matching it with world class teams and the three of us shared the highs and the lows together. In one of our post-match discussions my son out of the blue said; "Hey Dad, when I have a son and I coach him soccer, it will be a dad (pointing at his grandfather), coaching a dad (pointing at me), coaching a dad (pointing to himself)." Dad and I smiled at each other, it seemed as though my son had already gained a great sense of family.  In a simplistic way too he was starting to understand how thing s can be passed from one generation to another.

 

You don't have to be a soccer coach to be involved with your children - it's just one way of spending time with them.  The most important thing is that you do spend time with them in a way that works for you. Maybe it's backyard cricket, fishing, building a model aircraft, bike riding or just reading a book together.  Regardless of how you choose to do it, don't ever forget that the example you set, the lessons you teach and the love you give as a dad today will have flow on effects for generations to come. Is there any other work you do that comes close to being as important?

  

Richard has been married for 12 years.  He has an 8 year old son and a 6 year old daughter.  Richard considers that his most important work is to be the best dad he can be for his children.  He holds an associate position at an international engineering consultancy where he works as a civil engineer.

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News & Info

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mens Health starts with Men

Support

 

Prostrate Cancer Research and Male Depression  whcih are two of the largest areas which threaten Mens health and survival

 

  1. Men are far less healthy than women. The average life expectancy of males is 6 years less than females.
  2. Every year in Australia 2,700 men die of prostate cancer - more than the number of women who die from breast cancer.
  3. Depression affects 1 in 6 men-Most don't seek help. Untreated depression is a leading risk factor for suicide. Rates of suicide are more than double the national road toll.

Movember (the month formally known as November) is a charity event held during November each year.

 

At the start of Movember guys register with a clean shaven face. The Movember participants known as Mo Bros then have the remainder of the month to grow and groom their moustache and along the way raise as much money and awareness about male health issues as possible.

 

Movember culminates at the end of the month at the gala parties. These glamorous and groomed events will see Tom Selleck and David Boon look-a-likes battle it out on the catwalk for their chance to take home the prestigious Man of Movember title.

 

Whilst growing a mo' is left to the guys, Mo Sistas (ladies that support their guys or love mo's!) form an important part of Movember with their powerful feminine touch, by recruiting Mo Bros, helping to raise funds and attending the highly anticipated Gala Parties.

 

But its not all fun and games, so why the extreme behaviour?

 

Which ever way we look at it, men are far less healthy than women. The average life expectancy for men is 6 years less than females.

 

The obvious question is why?

Part of the answer is a lack of awareness about the very real health issues faced by males. The good old "she'll be right" attitude and a reluctance to see a doctor about an illness or for regular medical checks also contributes to the problem.

 

The aim of Movember is to change this attitude, make male health fun by putting the MO back on the face of fashion and in the process raise some serious funds for key male health issues.

 

The key male health causes for Movember 2006 are:

 

Prostate Cancer in partnership with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia ( www.prostate.org.au ) because every year in Australia 2,700 men die of prostate cancer - more than the number of women who die from breast cancer.

 

Male Depression in partnership with Beyond Blue  ( www.beyondblue.org.au ) because one in six men suffer from depression at any given time but most don't seek help.

 

Testicular Cancer because it's the second most common cancer in young men aged 18 to 35.

 

We challenge you to change the face of men's health... 

www.movember.com.au  

_________________________________________________________

 

DNA Test rights for Duped dads

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20764232-2,00.html

_________________________________________________________

Lack of Care is Harming Children

STRESSED parents who work long hours are putting their children at increased risk of developing behavioural and mental problems later in life, according to a new report.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20780084-421,00.html

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Fair Divorce Forum

Wests Illawarra Sports Club 7.00pm

Monday 20th of November

Unanderra, Wollongong NSW

 Speakers:

J. Flanagon

 W. Marsh

 J. Dakers

 J. Ajaka (State Liberal Party)

 B. Williams

 T. Delbanco (Fair Divorce)

_________________________________________________________

 

Hey, Dad

for fathers who have a child with a disability is a new addition to the Hey Dad series of programs and is being developed in partnership between Burnside, Centacare Broken Bay and The Spastic Centre and Lifestart with funding from FaCSIA.

 

6-7 February 2007 

7 Blackwood Place, Nth Parramatta

Ph: Andrew King on 0412 404 577

 

This training supports facilitators to target dads who have a child with a disability, and provide Dads and Kids Playgroups and a Dads' Workshops in either a three or five hour format. The training provides a suggested program and resources for workers to facilitate both types of groups. Themes explored in the Dads' Workshops include:

-  working in partnership with service providers  

- juggling the needs of your family, work and your own needs

- balancing the needs of other family members

- encouraging your child's emotional growth

- focusing on the future

 

The program will help organisations that support families who have children with disabilities, to involve fathers more easily into their service. When both workshops are provided once per school term, the manual provides enough resources to deliver an 18-month program.

 

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Letters

Dear Fatherhood Foundation,

Saturday, November 18, 2006 5:30 PM

Subject: WRITE!

 'DNA testing and the public's opinion.' The Paternity Fraud Web site  web site will soon be updated so that you can post your opinion on the  site( if you so wish ). All opinions will be collected and submitted  to the legislators.

 We plan for this to be up and operating by Monday 20th Nov 2006.

 Cheryl King

 www.PaternityFraudAustralia.com.au

 

  

  

 

 For One Night Only

 

Saturday 9th December, 2006 at KULCHA

1st Floor 13 South Terrace Fremantle. (above Dome Cafe')

Tickets at www.kulcha.com.au or phone 9336 4544 

 

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Dad's Prayer

Take This Body

By Noel Giblett

 

This is a moment

Life many others

Just one step

On a very long walk

But I can feel

I'm about to stumble

Let myself down

Despite all the talk

 

Wish I was different

Not like the others

Wish I could rise

Above this world

But I'm a man

Who needs some humbling

Needs reminding

What I am

 

Yes take this body

With all its longings

And take this soul

With all it holds

Teach me to wait

For my final freedom

At home in You

At home in me

 

This is a battle

Like any other

And I am a warrior in the field

Tho' I be wounded

I won't surrender

Tho' I be weakened

I will not yield

 

Yes take this spirit

Tho' it be broken

And take this soul

With all it tries to hold

Teach me to walk

Whatever the weather

Whatever the weight

To Your door

 

Yes take this body

With all its longings

And take this soul

With all it tries to hold

Teach me to wait

For my final freedom

At home in You

At home in me

 

'Welcome to Midlife' © 2006

 

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Help Us

Click here for more information about us

Help Us!

The Fatherhood Foundation is a Harm Prevention Charity.
Fatherlessness and inadequate fathering has been proven to be a source of harm.

The Fatherhood Foundation helps children by promoting excellence  in fathering. Excellent fathers are in word and deed: responsible, involved, protective, loving and committed to the well-being of their children and their children's mother.

If you would like to give financially to the Fatherhood Foundation Public Fund and receive tax deductibility:

Fatherhood Foundation Public Fund
(Name, address and amount details must be emailed for a receipt for tax deductibility)
Westpac Branch Wollongong
BSB: 032 695
A/C: 25-5558

Or mail cheque and address details to:
PO Box 440
WOLLONGONG  NSW  2520
AUSTRALIA

The Fatherhood Foundation Public Fund  is a public fund listed on the Register of Harm Prevention Charities under Subdivision 30_EA of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.

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