Each day our paths cross those of tens, if not hundreds, of people going about their lives. Most have little or no impact on us, but occasionally a chance meeting stays with us for years.

Many children will go through a rite of passage this month - they will start school for the first time. Dianne Parsons’ children are now adults, but she remembers their first day at school vividly.

I am waiting for the wedding to start. The bride is five minutes late; her mother is already crying. The best man has been checking for the past ten minutes that he still has the ring. The groom is trying to look cool, as if he does this most days of the week, and is sweating profusely. But suddenly the music starts and we are asked to stand.

I don't recall exactly how many weddings I've been to, but I can't remember one bride who did not look amazing, or a single groom who did not, at least, look better than he's ever looked. We sing a hymn: "Love divine, all loves excelling. Joy of heaven to earth come down". Women turn and whisper to their husbands, "This was one of our wedding hymns." The men smile and nod - it seems the safest thing to do.

Care for the Family is a national charity which aims to promote strong family life and to help those hurting because of family breakdown. We couldn't do this without the help of our supporters - people like you. Together we can strengthen marriages, support parents and help the bereaved.