Walking around the local park with my son Edward, 33, and his dog Binky, I can’t hide how proud I am of the man he’s become. He’s funny, kind, brave and always lights up every room. But glancing at Bedford cemetery opposite, I’m filled with despair. In November 2017, Edward was given just five years to live and he told me that’s where he wants to be buried.
Edward and I have always been very close. His dad and I got divorced when he was a baby but he still had a very happy childhood. We’d enjoy trips to Cornwall during the holidays where Edward spent his time swimming and learning to surf.
MOTHER’S LOVE
He was my only child and my whole world, which is why when, in 2001 aged 13, he came home from school and went straight up to his room without so much as a hello, I knew something was wrong.
‘If I tell you something, you won’t love me anymore,’ he said, when I tried to get him to open up. But I reassured him nothing could ever change my love for him. Eventually, he told me he was gay and I said I loved him even more for it.
But in school he was badly bullied and although extremely bright, he switched off academically. At 15 he went through a goth phase and started experimenting with make-up. He then moved to dressing in a more feminine way. Outside the house he’d be called names and even spat at, but Edward never backed down or shied away from who he was.
This story is from the September 05, 2022 edition of WOMAN'S OWN.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 05, 2022 edition of WOMAN'S OWN.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on the gender gap, cats and timed hugs
Check out CHICAGO
With a spectacular skyline, sandy beaches and great food, the Windy City is calling, says Zoe West
LET'S EMBRACE OUR CHRISTMAS TAT!
Becky Dickinson explains why she'll still be rocking around her tinsel-strewn tree this year
BURIED SECRETS
We look at the shocking cases of celebrities posthumously accused of being sexual predators-and how they got away with it
FESTIVE NO-BAKES
Pop on the Christmas tunes and whip up a batch of these easy sweet treats
PROTECT YOUR SMILE
Are you doing enough to look after your teeth and gums?
'TIS THE SEASON TO SHINE!
At last, Hayley McCrossan, 39, feels fit and healthy
FOR THE LOVE OF TOM
When Deborah Mitchell, 57, lost her son, she vowed to help other families facing the same heartbreak
THE NURSE WHO LEFT MY GRANDAD FOR DEAD belict
Rachael Fealey, 31, had one question for the woman who killed her beloved Grampa - how could you?
Coleen's MONEY WORRIES
What are the reasons behind her financial and marriage fears?