Thursday 27 March 2014

Mother's Day 2014

Image from etsy.com
Mother’s Day is fast approaching for people in Britain and Ireland, falling on the 30th March. However, across the globe it is celebrated on a number of dates throughout the year. Whatever the date, the message is still the same- take the time to honour your mother and let her know that you love and appreciate her.

For those who have lost their mothers in one way or another, this day will be a little harder than for most. Below is a touching and emotional quote from someone who has experienced this loss first hand:

“It may be painful to realise that your Mum isn't there on a day which focuses so heavily on the role and importance of a mother no matter how long she has been gone. But we can still be thankful that they gave us life and for the time we spent with them. We can still celebrate them in our own way. After 24 years I still think about my Mum every day in some small way. It could be when I'm talking to someone and her voice comes out of my mouth or if I hear The Stylistics or The Sweet! Terrible taste in music! It can be when I'm using one of her recipes or looking at photos. I like to think that a part of her lives on in me; the part that makes me a good mother and that's why I still wish her Happy Mother's Day in my own way.”

How about making a Bucket List for your kids of things you would like them to do, achieve and experience? You can work through this together, helping them tick off items and it can also act as guide if you are no longer with them. If you are lucky enough to still have your mum around, don’t just celebrate the special occasions, make memories with them while you can.
 
Poem written by Rebekah Night
 
Whether it is taking your Mum out for Sunday roast or looking back on fond memories, this day is prominent for many people. What will you being doing for Mother’s Day? Let us know on Twitter #MothersDay

Monday 17 March 2014

Schools Carousel a Roaring Success

Last week we visited a primary school on a ‘schools carousel’ to talk to children about our jobs and to give them a chance to ask us any questions they may have. We were accompanied by a number of different representatives of businesses and public services, all interested in helping children find out information about their careers.

However, we were initially concerned about talking to children about death and dying and wanted to do so in an appropriate way. The response from the children was remarkable; they were open about the subject and actively engaged in a ‘name the animal skeleton’ quiz which they of course, found fascinating. They were extremely excited to write on our ‘bucket list’ postcards with chalk and discussed not only career aspirations but things that they would like to do in their lives, from deep sea diving to swimming with sharks!
 
Bucket List Postcard
 
Whilst many of the questions they asked regarded salary or length of working hours, there were a few fantastic questions such as ‘do you find your job emotional?’, which demonstrated that children are far more aware of issues surrounding death than adults often give them credit for.

As adults, we are reluctant to talk to children about the subject of death and dying, in an attempt to ‘protect’ them. However, this venture proved that children are resilient and do not approach these topics with the same taboo attitude that is ingrained in to adults in Western society. Of course it is always important when talking to children about death to adhere to appropriate conversation, but it should not be avoided and brushed under the carpet.  Through talking openly about death at a younger age it will ultimately make it more normal and lead to better awareness of end of life care options for people with terminal illnesses.
 
Death in Disney Films
Image from clubecandoca.com
 
Death can be a scary subject, but it happens to us all. Every day children see death and dying in Disney films, cartoons and video games, so we shouldn’t be afraid to talk about it with them. For an interactive and light way to introduce the topic, why not head down to one of our events at the World Museum during Dying Matters Awareness Week, from the 12th – 18th May. There will be ‘Meet the Mummy’ sessions for both adults and children on Saturday the 17th at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm and a ‘Day of the Dead Drop In’ from 1-4pm on Sunday the 18th. It was inspiring to see one little girl in particular, frantically writing down the dates of these events; she will no doubt be asking her parents to take her there! And we hope to see you there too!
 
For more information on events we are hosting in Dying Matters Awareness Week, contact us at amy.king@mariecurie.org.uk or find us on Facebook and Twitter.