Turning points in your life - name 5

Becoming a Christian in my late teens.
We had a piano so l had lessons and loved it, also learned recorder but fancied learning the flute at school as well. There was not one available to borrow so l had the choice between a violin and cello. I chose the violin and it became apparent very quickly that it was my instrument just as much as the piano. As a footnote, my daughter is a flautist and I have never been able to produce a note on the flute!
Getting a music degree.
Getting married.
Having three children.
The oldest child being autistic and entering a completely different world including special schools. His special school was one of my jobs for many years and l have taught music to several children and adults with special needs.
Knowing when it was time to stop peripatetic teaching in schools.
Deciding (recently) that it was time to cut down on the number of music pupils in order to ease into semi-retirement.
Getting hearing aids.

Meeting my husband who taught me so much about living without chaos.
Having my children; every one of them has taught me so much.
Losing my baby girl at 20 weeks; if we could get through that together, we could get through anything.
Nearly dying on 2 separate occasions, it makes you appreciate the life you have.
Looking after a dementia patient until their death. Shoot me if I get into that state.

Age 17; meeting my soulmate

realising that I really was not cut out to be a nurse, despite having pursued that childhood ambition to SRN qualification

realising that my children would have school holidays! I retrained as a teacher so I would be around to enjoy them with them

moving house' each time opened up a new vista

in retirement - volunteering

Leaving home at 18.
Getting married and moving to Scotland.
Moving to London.
Having first child and immediately moving to Holland.
Moving back to UK after 18 years.

In 1967, at 17, death of my Mum from cancer. Ghastly, she was only 44.

Meeting DH a year later, marrying at 21 and being able to buy our first home, with our Fathers standing as guarantors to raise the necessary mortgage!

The arrival of our two darling daughters, safe and well.

On retirement of DH, moving from suburban Surrey, 145 miles north, 18 years ago.

The arrival of our 5 DGC, now between 5 and 13, and realising how very fortunate and lucky I have been.

And, as a little bonus, Tim on Classic, has jut played our wedding march this morning, Widor’ s Toccata, such a happy day 51 years ago this month!

Leaving school to go to university, after being at the same school for 12 years. A big change.

Moving south to London to do my second degree, in the swinging sixties. Meeting fascinating people there. That was when I really grew up

Getting married and having my two sons.

My husband dying from cancer at the age of 40, so bringing up the boys on my own.

Children leaving home to go to university, then marrying and providing me with grandchildren. That gives me a feeling of completion..

1. Stupidly - giving up my Grammar School place to go to
Drama School.
2. Going to first YCND meeting and then joining Young
Socialists
3, Getting Married
4. Birth of each of my children.
5. Commencing involvement (first as an administrator, later
as coach & tutor/examiner, etc,) in Gymnastics.

My background was loving but quite grim really no encouragement at all. I was told to get a job get married have children don’t have ambition. It actually taught me to aim higher than I thought possible.
Divorcing the father of my children
University degree in Politics and other studies
Marrying my husband
Working hard and now enjoying retirement
My grandchildren and life with family and friends