1. Introduction -- 2. Methodology -- 3. Children and adults -- 4. Individuals, identity and society -- 5. Money and chores -- 6. Companionship and communication -- 7. Loneliness, sexuality and extra-marital affairs -- 8. Hail and farewell -- 9. Support mechanisms and the extended family -- 10. What holds the family together -- App. 1. The letters -- App. 2. Estimates of numbers of NMS families -- App. 3. Families' ages