What's the Crack? 01A Edition

• Published in: Evening chronicle (Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England)
• Main Author: Sweeney, Sue
• Format: Newspaper Article
• Language: English
• Published: Newcastle-upon-Tyne (UK) MGN Ltd 20.05.2006
• Subjects: Houston, Marlene

A quote this week from foster mum Marlene Houston. I thought what a wonderful lady to have given her home for many years to help the children of Barnardo's. Marlene, a gran-of-three, divorced and over 45 when she began her new life, has no regrets and told of the myths that surround fostering. Marlene, from Lemington, told her story like it is, and the problems these children have. She even said that she herself had not been the perfect child ( she hated school, smoked and hung around with the lads. Marlene believes this was good grounding as she can now pick up on the signs in her foster kids. A case of been there, done that. "These children's stories put your own problems in perspective," said Marlene. "This is real life and sometimes when we hit our forties there does seem to be a gap in our lives. The kids are up, maybe left home, you have time on your hands, you sometimes feel you're not needed anymore. You go through that 'What now?' syndrome! Which path shall I take? Full-time work is a possibility, maybe further education. A new broom sweeps clean as they say. When all the daydreaming is over, it finally hits you ( you're not washed up, you have a wealth of experience, you still feel young, so get going. Now it's your turn to feel good about yourself, choose a path and go for it." Marlene Houston took her experience and has made a huge difference to others. We should take a leaf out of Marlene's book, instead of just wondering "what now?"