I remember my Dad driving, I was sat in the back of the car.
She walked along the pavement, eye make-up running just a little, hair a bit messed up, she had a ladder in her tights.
Dad slowed down slid the window down and caught her eye.
"Get in" he said softly.
She ignored him and carried on walking on impossibly high heels.
He crawled the curb and lent across the car opening the door, the car keeping level with her.
He pleaded.
She climbed in.
I don't remember any more that day.
___________

My parents married in 1963.
Dad always said his was the best wedding ever, it cost around £4,000.
My Grandparents bought them a house as a wedding present.

___________

I telephoned my Mother to tell her I was getting married.
I had booked a Marquee, a caterer and the Church, we were happy.
Foolishly after a few days I realised I also had to pay for the cost of hiring every chair, tablecloth, knife and fork, table, I was concerned about the rising cost.
My Mother said not to bother having such a big 'do' and quite clearly spoke words that will always stay with me:
"Just have bread and cheese in the garden, invite your grandmother, I'm not bothered whether I'm there or not"
More advice: " don't bother with the expense of a Wedding dress, just get yourself a cheap suit from Dorothy Perkins"
I cancelled the marquee, the church, the caterer.
I cried for days
She didn't feel any desire or need to be at my wedding.
This is the nature of my Mother.