I started talking to David by telephone his number having been given to me by mutual friends Chris and Barney in October 1984. In early November he came to Devon by train from London for our first physical meeting. By Christmas we were engaged by Easter we were married. That was 30 years ago this year. It wasn't always perfect, it wasn't always idyllically happy but I respected him, was in awe of this intelligent man who made me laugh, told the most entertaining stories (which ultimately we used to finish together like a double act) and I loved him. I close my eyes and see him, I open them now and he's gone. I fall asleep and dream of him holding my hand laughing that laugh where he threw back his head and no sound emerged. We wanted to follow our plan and retire in a year and potter in the garden, visit the children and our grandchildren. Watch them grow and bloom into whatever pleased them and would make us proud no matter what it was. We wanted to go on holiday, go to the theatre, enjoy a meal out, spend time just being us in our funny little house doing mundane things. We had a plan, then MND took over. Nothing will ever be the same, no one can fill my heart like he did - that heart is broken and I miss him every second. But life and everything else goes on and he would want it that way. He was not afraid to die just the journey. So I must not be afraid to live without him, I must complete my journey for him but without him.
You are my darling my breath and my heart
No more can I see you now that we are apart
But I can live for you and share all and how
So until we're together again darling - POW
POW was our secret message we used on the phone if people were around to say I love you. It stands for Plate of Whelks - as random as ever darling💋