I have had the most wonderful day. I met up with this glorious human being, my ‘aunt’ Sally. I first met her when I lived in Sweden. Not sure of the exact year, but we moved there in 1983. Her husband worked with my Dad. She’s been a part of my life ever since.

She now lives in New Zealand so we haven’t seen each other in the flesh for a few decades. But we are in touch by email. She’s back in the UK to support her youngest daughter who’s had her first baby before Christmas. As her daughter and husband live near Newmarket, we arranged to meet at Elveden for lunch.

It was so good to catch up with Sally. Growing up in a foreign country is an amazing experience, but can be a bit lonely. Sally became a surrogate aunt/mother to me. She was always there for me. Even when she had her own kids. I valued her wise words and advice over the years. She’s always seen me and accepted me for who I am. Something we all need. Especially during adolescence.

I remember when her youngest was born, now she’s a Mum herself. Makes me feel rather old in some ways. But meeting up today was like no time had passed at all. Just wonderful.

I’ve been saying for a long time that I want to go back to NZ again. And see her. Wonder if 2025 is the year I make that happen…