It must be so sad when parents are struck down with Alzheimers, to see them alter so much, I should think literally a shadow of their former selves. Equally when illness forces them to be hospitalised, the worry must be such a strain on their relatives.

I do not have that worry, unfortunately my Dad died when I was ten years old and my Mum when I was 28. Neither do I have any brothers or sisters, I don't even have any uncles or aunts left. Thankfully I have one smashing son and his fiancée plus my gorgeous grandson.

Over the years when I listen to friends moaning about their parents with regards to trivial things, I often think............if only!

Sally