As a child, you have this innocence and see things through rose tinted specs. My childhood was happy, maybe not always but we were lucky as we never went without.

I have a sister who is 8yrs older than me and who hated me from the day I was born. She wanted a brother and on numerous occasions tried to kill me. No joke..this involved my buggy being attached to her scooter and trying to feed my polo mints through my cot bars. Thankfully I was too young to remember that!

My parents worked hard and we lived a basic middle class life. I shared a room with my sister until she moved out. I have alot of memories from my childhood that if you care to listen, I would like to share with you all...

At 3months old, I was left with my grandparents as my Mum had to go back to work. My Gran who is 90 this year was no spring chicken when I was a child but looked after me as best she could. My Dad worked different shifts and was normally in his bed when I got in from school and Mum went to the bingo most nights (nothing changes).

My best friend Charlene, lived next door. Our rooms were right next to each other and we pleaded to have the wall knocked through. My fondest memories were that of spending time with her as we rarely see each other now. Myself and Charlene regularly set up our own little businesses. These ranged from making soap with a soap kit my sister bought me and along with my Mums fancy Radox and spending our pennies on Palmolive soap from the shop, we made some lovely little handmade soaps! We also sold coloured in pictures to the neighbours for 2p each. Those were the days!

Long summer days were spent in our big garden or out with the skates on. I was very clumsy and was never allowed rollerblades though Charlene had a set and we used one each despite her being 3sizes small than me, we made it work.

I spent alot of time baking with my Gran during holidays. We made delicious pancakes and fairy cakes were our speciality with me licking the remains from the bowl. I used to pop to my Grans for lunch from Primary school and by this point my Papa was unwell and bed bound. I used to take his French Toast up and he would shout "is that my wee doll?". He died shortly after and I still miss him to this day.

This is when my sister went off the rails. She got in with the wrong crowds and caused my parents endless grieve resulting in her being put in a childrens home. At 17 she fell pregnant and my parents forced her to terminate the baby threatening that she would never see me again if she didn't. I used to here them arguing, I was young but not stupid.

Despite this difficult few years, we did have reason to be happy. Both my parents working long hours afforded a holiday to Majorca nearly every year. Playing in the pool, going long walks and being dragged around every perfume store trying to find the cheapest bottles for my Nana was a regular occurance. The holidays were always fantastic and I was more fortunate than other children.

Day trips were few and far between but usually consisted of going on the train to Ayr and having fish and chips by the play park. We also went to Blackpool and to Berwick where my uncle had a caravan. Those were good times as my wee Granny came with us and spent loads of money on me!

I went to Sunday school for many years and would go in my Sunday best. At 15 I got bored and started avoiding it. I went to Brownies and Girls Brigade which were fun times.

I excelled in school and looked forward to trips. In Primary 6, we went away for 5days to an activity centre in Oban for walks, dry slope skiing and orienteering. It was the first time away from my parents and it was superb. In Primary 7, we went to London and went to see the Lion King and Starlight Express in the theatre. I remember my trips well.

Onto high school and I met a brand new set of friends. Unfortuantely most of them no longer stay in touch. We went to Paris in 2nd year and had a superb time at Disneyland.

I feel my childhood ended at 15 when I met my first proper boyfriend. He turned out to be an ass but this led to me to my now fiance and the father of my gorgeous son.

I have recently left college and am now a full time Mum. We might not have much money but I will do my upmost to give my son the life he deserves and all the good memories that I was blessed with.


Thanks for reading

x