Mother's Weekend 2005
Mother's Weekend Away at Rafferty's Resort
Barbara Anderson from Newcastle, and Anne Blake from Sydney co-ordinated the eighth Mother’s Weekend away from all the daily routines and responsibilities. This was the largest group of mothers so far, with nine mothers from both regions.
One group of Mums, traveling in the same car, performed a little ceremony when they arrived at the entrance to Rafferty’s Resort, our venue for this and the last four years Mother’s Weekend. They stopped the car, flung open the doors, jumped out and literally threw all their cares away. This set the tone for the weekend and for all participants.
After an informal introduction, the group meandered down the tree lined pathways to the resort’s restaurant for dinner. This was enjoyed so much that the meandering home was at a much more leisurely pace!
After a delicious breakfast the next morning, a group of six massage therapists arrived to freely and willingly give 14 massages. This was a first for some recipients but the massage was considered to be a highlight of the weekend. Mums who did not want a massage relaxed in the heated spa, or curled up with a book. After a healthy lunch, the afternoon was spent playing tennis (a first for our Mother’s weekend) more relaxing, lots of talking and sharing experiences.
Our second dinner, again held at the resort restaurant, was equal to that of Friday night. Conversation flowed easily throughout the dinner group and continued back at the main cabin. Another yummy breakfast was followed by a meeting to evaluate and reflect on the weekend.
Farewells to friends, new and old, bought the event to a close for some, who departed for home. Some stayed on to relax around the pool and continue the supportive conversations which had been so important all weekend. The opportunity to talk with others who share a common bond is consistently rated as most valuable in feedback about the time spent together.
Barbara and Anne feel privileged to share this time with all participants and CFNSW is pleased to be able to offer this weekend away for the mothers of children with CF. We will do it all again next year, and will be happy to hear of fathers who would like to be part of some similar activity. Keep your eye out for notices on our website and in the newsletter. Barbara Anderson, Newcastle Community Worker
Martha Thomas receiving a much deserved head massage
