Part 4 The Lewis Family
4.1 Introduction to the Lewis family
Nicola Whiteing
Family genogram
Introduction to family and community
Nigel (50) and Sally (47) live in Currumbin, Queensland with their 3 children Daisy (15), Ella (11) and Luke (8). Nigel and Sally met at university when they were both studying business degrees. Nigel was born in Australia and has always lived around the Gold Coast area. His parents live just two streets away and his sister lives in nearby Elanora. They are a very close family. Sally was born in England, but moved to Melbourne when she was 3, due to her father’s work as an aeronautical engineer. Her parents decided to move back to England when Sally graduated from university 25 years ago. Sally decides to stay and see where her relationship with Nigel might lead. Sally’s parents try to come out to Australia every other year, however they are getting older and find the journey hard. While Nigel and Sally try to go back every second year, financially they are finding this difficult. Sally’s parents are fit and well but are becoming slower as the years go by.
Nigel and Sally’s house is a two-storey Queenslander, which they have spent the last 10 years renovating. They now have the house just as they want and are proud to have friends and family over. The children each have their own bedrooms, as well as a rumpus room which is home to Luke’s precious collection of cars, diggers and tractors.
Sally
Sally majored in events management at university. Before having children, she worked full-time for a sports events company, a job she loved. Since having children, Sally has not worked. She has always regretted not going back to work sooner and is now concerned whether it will be possible for her to get back into the industry. She volunteers at the canteen at the local primary school her younger 2 children attend. Sally has a good circle of friends, with whom she regularly goes to the gym and meets up for lunch, walks and book club. She is also a member of the local church and actively helps in the youth program. Sally is fit and well, takes pride in her appearance and is a great believer in using natural, complementary and lifestyle medicines.
Nigel
Nigel majored in accounting and is now a partner in an accountancy firm in Brisbane. He stays away in a rented apartment Monday to Wednesday to save on travelling time. He works long hours, but the income is good. Nigel enjoys playing soccer in his spare time and helps coach the local under-12s team with his best mate Craig. When he is able to ‘escape’ the business of life with 3 children, he also enjoys the odd round of golf.
Daisy
Daisy is 15 years of age and is fit and well. Her parents describe her as a ‘typical teenager’. She is in year 9 at the local state high school, does well academically and has a good circle of friends. As Daisy went through her teenage years, Sally felt as though she and her friends were drifting apart, which upset her. Daisy used to dance until last year