11-1

Today, four years ago, at arounfpd 12 noon, I got a call from my brother in law telling me that the doctor had been to see them and J had a few days maximum. I can't even put into words what I felt. I know only that I flew home, packed a bag and went first to the hospital where I stayed with J while b.i.l. Went home to tell the boys. They would all three return and spend the night with J while I went on to the New Forest to be with Mum, and to bring her to the hospital in the morning to say goodbye. J was very sleepy and we talked only a little. I remember she told me she wanted it to be over quickly. She told me M would need help with the boys.

She got her wish. As I drove back in the morning with Mum and Mr L my brother rang to say J had gone. Mum never recovered properly from her loss and I miss J every single day.

The photo is one of Dad's staged photo shoots, which we loved as small children and hated as we got older.