TRAVELLING BACKWARDS ON THE MAP OF MY LIFE

With more time on my own, I find myself travelling backwards on the map of my life, thinking of life as it was way back, in my childhood and youth. I'm one who has gone through childhood, adult conformity, work of one sort or another, family responsibility, now on the scrap heap of old age. Life was much easier in my childhood and youth; looked after lovingly by my parents, protecting us against the evils of the world. It was a much more refined genteel era, my father was always a vital force in life. I'm so thankful that my parents took me all over Britain and Europe, seeing famous historic places, stately homes, castles, cathedrals, also theatre, ballet which improved our minds and instilled knowledge in varied spheres. Later on, as a young mother, experiencing problems, rationing and so on during the early seventies. But easier then than now, taking part in political protests, although we dressed modestly and were much quieter in expressing our views in protests; there was little personal slander. Criticism was based on facts and wrong policies. We were also tear gassed, but took it all in our stride. Somehow those were much better days. We spent a lot of time with our friends, some still there, some gone away.those were the times I treasure most in my mind and always will.