Children,

I'm growing old now and the stories that I now tell you may be different from what they originally were. My memory isn't what it used to be, you see.

I've led a long and happy life. Well, mostly. There have been some terribly dark times during the course of my existence, but I suppose that's what makes the good even better. I have had three beautiful children and been blessed with one charming granddaughter. I had a loving and caring husband and a protective Father also.

These are the things that I can remember. And believe me, I can remember a lot more than I'm aware. Sometimes, I will just be lying in bed or drinking a cup of tea and I'll suddenly remember something that happened years ago. Then of course, there are the things that I can never forget. And unfortunately, those things tend to be the things I wish I could forget.

I know I don't have long left, which is why I have decided to write down all my memories that I either couldn't bear to tell you in person, or never found the time. Though I do have to admit, this seems very strange. I'm only fifty-nine, yet I know that within a year, I'll be gone. This time next year, your life's will still go on, though mine will have stopped. That's another reason, I suppose, why I've written this. It sounds self-centered to say that I know you'll be devastated when I'm gone, but I know it's the truth. Maybe when you raed this (that will be after I'm gone) who may remember some of these events, whatever the importance of them.

Maybe you'll even remember some that I've forgotten and write them down in here?

I hope these entertain you.

All my love,

Your Mother x

Lillian-Marie Rebecca Dove