Today was the funeral of a 45 year old man with severe learning difficulties.
His mum L and I became friends when we lived next door but one to each other in a small village in Derbyshire. We were 5 and remained good friends until I moved to a suburb near Derby.
After that, we saw each other spasmodically but kept in touch by letter (it WAS a long time ago!)When she was 16, L had a boyfriend who was 6 years older than her but her parents thought he was too old and made her finish the relationship. A little while later she met a much more suitable boy, 'got into trouble' and was abandoned by the boy, who joined the Merchant Navy never to be seen again.
She managed to conceal her pregnancy from her parents but had to own up at 7 months. Arrangements were made for the baby to be adopted but, when he was born, L's father fell in love with him and cancelled the adoption. Her mother (a battleaxe!) was unhappy but grew to love Paul.
Paul went to a Day Centre, L was a brilliant mother and did lots of volunteering. Fate, then smiled on her. About 8 years ago, she met her older boyfriend's sister who told her that he had been married but was now divorced and talked about her all the time.
They met, rekindled their romance, he accepted and loved Paul and they had 5 happy years. Then L was diagnosed with breast cancer. Ralph has been a real star. She has now finished all her treatments and the future looks good.
Ten days ago Paul died, at home, of a pulmonary embolism. Today was his funeral and I couldn't be there. I hope none of you mind but I had to mark this in some way and I thought of GN. Somethings are just too awful to think about 
Book Title by Their Authors (Parlour Game)
