As I am

I never wanted to be anyone else.

That was impossible and a waste of precious energy.

I never thought that my young family wanted me to be anyone other than who I was. That they would love me as Mum, as Sue, for who I was.

I was reassured by that, I fitted just as I was. How blessed I was to feel that reassurance amidst the world which could be very unkind to me.

Years add crinkles and wrinkles. How fortunate that I know what that unconditional love felt like, feels like. Times change but I can hold onto a treasure like that for a lifetime.

To all the parents out there - your kids just want to be loved as they are and to love you, the authentic you. I remember all my doubts as a parent being brushed away by my kids love for me just as I was. I was guided by that.

My young daughter giving me a kiss on the cheek in Primary School and telling me she loved how soft and warm my cheeks were. That daughter is 21 now.

My stroke happened only 18 months after I was married. Still in the loved up stage of early partnership, the possibility of the future like stars in my eyes. I never fell out of love with the feeling of being in love. Which is why I write about love so openly.

I have no room in my life for anger or hate.