Mike and Julie

On Monday my Aunty Trisha, Ruby and I, were invited to my Cousin Mike and Julies home at Henderson Park in Eastney.

To be perfectly honest, I had had a busy day volunteering for Cancer Research, so just wanted to collapse and relax for the evening; nothing against Mike and Julie, but with the heatwave in Britain at its peak, I am feeling particularly tired at the moment, nevertheless I was happy to go along and see these two lovely people.

Cousin Mike, or Uncle as I refer to him, is from my family home in Liverpool. My Aunty Trisha introduced him to his wife Julie, who is absolutely adorable. Mike is a link to my roots up north and it was great to see him after so long. The last time I saw them was when my Nan died, about six years ago; naturally we had a lot to talk about. My tiredness soon disappeared, as we sat talking in their lovely home!

Mike and Julie are aware of the reasons for my return to the UK and fully understand what circumstances persuaded Darrell and I to move to there in 2016. Mike has very definite opinions as to what direction mine and Darrell's life should take. I explained that I would probably leave the UK eventually to be with my husband, starting another new chapter in our life together. Mike was more than forthcoming about any impending move, saying I should remain in Britain, with family who care.

In many respects, most of us believe the grass is always greener and as I have discovered, that isn't always the case. I am happy to be home, surrounded by loved ones and have realised that wherever Darrell and I end up, it has to be around those who are closest, not constrained by those we don't know well enough. As much as I like my friends in Spain, they are just not my family and that is all that counts for me now.

Trisha, Ruby and I spent a pleasant evening , with two relatives who I rarely see; a few glasses of wine, nibbles and a tour of the Caravan park where they live. Of course this is no ordinary park; it is one of the most sort after locations on the south coast, where property prices start at around one hundred thousand pounds. The park homes are beautiful inside and I could actually see myself living and being very happy there. Darrell and I have talked about living in such a community in the past and Henderson Park ticked all the boxes. Situated on Eastney Beach in a perfectly landscaped setting, it is a great way to live your life. I was certainly impressed and who knows what will happen in the future.

A big thank you to Mike and Julie for their hospitality; I hope to see more of these two while living in Portsmouth, as well as the rest of the family in Liverpool when I get the chance. I haven't had a lot of contact with my kin folk in the past, this is changing now and I am happy to report, my life is getting better as a result. Never forget the important ones in your life, even if like me you are in your late forties. It is never too late to build bridges!

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