A house is just bricks and mortar. But a home is so much more than that. It’s a place of warmth and safety, where you create memories and spend precious time with family. My parents’ home was very much my safe place. I had such fond memories growing up in their bungalow, which they’d bought in 1983. There was the table where I’d sat revising for my O-levels, the kitchen that my mum Irma kept so spotless, and the constant din of the radio – Mum put on Radio York while she pottered around and my dad Alan listened intently to the football scores every Saturday teatime.
When Dad passed away in May 1996, aged 71, I worried about Mum living alone. By then I was 25 and living down the road with my then husband, so I visited her as often as I could.
Then, two years later, in 1998, Mum met Arthur Peter Hepple, then 59, who she called Peter – a regular at the local bowls club.
He moved into Mum’s bungalow the following year and I was happy for Mum – I liked Peter. He was nine years younger than Mum, but it wasn’t a big deal. She was happy, and she was a young 68, physically active and making an effort with her appearance, her hair neatly coiffed and her make-up done.
By then, I was a mum myself to a baby girl, Louise*, and he doted on her like a grandad, playing peek-a-boo and throwing her, giggling, into the air.
He’d even mow my lawn after I moved house, when I was busy with Louise or with my job as a lunchtime supervisor at a primary school.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 14, 2023 من WOMAN - UK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة August 14, 2023 من WOMAN - UK.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
The dark side to your CHRISTMAS NIGHT OUT
Do you know what’s in your glass this party season?
IS THERE ANYTHING MORE NOSTALGIC THAN CHRISTMASES PAST?
Do you remember the anticipation before the big day, pondering endlessly about what should go on your Christmas list? I would lovingly write two or three things down, pop it into an envelope and leave it by the fireplace to be wafted up the chimney like something out of Mary Poppins.
The Christmas that CHANGED OUR LIVES
We speak to three women about their most wonderful time of year
Fix a festive FALL-OUT
Had too much of a good thing? Our expert tips will help you feel better quickly
Reunited for CHRISTMAS
After his rocky TV comeback, ts Philrelying on wife Steph this holiday season?
'I don't want a THREE DAY HANGOVER'
Lorraine Kelly on how she’ll be spending her first Christmas as a grandma
Mistletoe AND WINE
All Rose wanted was a little extra sparkle at Christmas
Would you spend more ON THE DOG THAN ON YOUR HUSBAND?
Brits are happy to fork out more on their pets’ gifts than on their other half’s, according to a study. We investigate….
A new ACT OF BETRAYAL
King Charles misses Harry 'desperately' but has the trust gone, writes Emily Andrews
PRINCE ANDREW AND FERGIE ARE EXPECTED FOR CHRISTMAS!
After a tough year for William and Kate, the Waleses are looking forward to Christmas and catching up with the Royal Family – including, it seems, Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York.