LISTEN

When I ask you to listen to me
and you start giving advice, you have not done what I need.
When I ask you to listen to me
and you begin to tell me why I shouldn't feel that way,
you are trampling on my feelings.
When I ask you to listen to me
and you feel you have to do something to solve my problem,
you have failed me, strange as that may seem.
Listen! All that I asked, was that you listen,
not to talk or do - just hear me.
Advice is cheap: you can get both Dear Abby and Billy Graham in the same newspaper.
And I can do for myself, I'm not helpless.
Maybe discouraged and faltering, but not helpless.
When you do something for me that I can do and need to do for myself,
you contribute to my fear and weakness.
But, when you accept as a simple fact that I do feel what I feel,
no matter how irrational, then I can quit trying to convince
you and can get about the business of understanding what's behind this irrational feeling.
And when that's clear, the answer are obvious and I don't need advice.
Irrational feelings make sense when we understand what's behind them.
So, please listen and just hear me.
And, if you want to talk, wait a minute for your turn,
and I'll listen to you.
-Anonymous

On Sunday 7 February 2010, the executive members of Action Congress Ireland Chapter were delighted to host guests from Balbriggan County Fingal led by Mr Peter Ebeleghe. It was a pleasure for the executive members to host Mr. Ebeleghe and his friends, whose aim, it appeared was to join Action Congress Ireland legitimately. During the meeting it was constantly reiterated that Action Congress is an open and fair representative for the people of our great country, Nigeria.

Action Congress is the only reputable opposition party in Nigeria, prepared to cater for, and to meet the needs of all Nigerians.

The group was wholeheartedly welcomed, on behalf of Action Congress HQ in Abuja, Nigeria and they were urged to register with Ireland Chapter of the party without further delay.
With this development, Mr Ebeleghe is expected to be the co-ordinator of Action Congress Fingal County as soon as they become card carrying members of the party.

Mr. Ebeleghe requested for a group photograph after the meeting with the executive members, this was granted by Mrs Olubunmi Salako, although many members had left as they had to travel long distance back to their homes.

Snacks and drinks were provided by the management of Crown Ventures Drogheda, the owner (Mr. Aderire Ademokun) of the venue for the meeting.

All information regarding membership is avalaible on the party website at http://www.actioncongressireland.org/ and everyone is invited to visit the site in order to register as member.

I look forward to welcoming you to Action Congress Ireland Chapter.

Action Congress- AC, AC- Democracy Forever.

Mrs Olubunmi Salako
Chairman, Action Congress Ireland Chapter
10 February 2010

Tales by Moonlight:African Stories for Children Volume 1