Oh my goodness Sheila what memories. When I started work I used to go the C&A and buy a skirt or a blouse usually for about 12/6pence. I’m afraid I was always a tomboy though and wore trousers even as a child. Which just wasn’t done then. I heard my mother and Nan talking one day. My mother was so disappointed in me for not being ‘girly’ and my Nan replied that I would grow out of it, Well I never did. Along came horse riding and my own horses and I remained a tomboy throughout my life except when I was at work then I would be smart but changed clothes as soon as I got home.
When I got married for the first time I didn’t want a ‘frilly’ dress and couldn’t find anything I liked. My Nan asked me what I did want and I drew a picture of a very plain knee length dress. My Nan was a whizz on a sowing machine and made the dress and all the bridesmaids dresses. We didn’t really appreciate what was done for us did we. How I wish I could thank my Nan for all her support when I was a child. When I was at dancing class she made all my outfits for when on stage.
Town Hall and those Saturday nights. Now I did dress up then. Yes high heels but the flatties to dance in. Those net underskirts, we was the Bee’s Knees but we looked much nicer than the trousers with rips and holes in them that are worn today, even I draw the line there. I hate them. When mine look like that they go in the bin.
Today I worked at the allotment and arrived home filthy as usual. Got caught up in brambles while picking blackberries and raspberries and had blood running down my leg. (I wear shorts). You would disown me I’m sure.
Take care
Pat xxxx
Glad you found the look that made you relaxed and happy. Each to their own.
I am never smart, but I am comfortable in my walking gear. I don’t have a dog but always carry ‘treats’ so have usually got paw marks on my jeans!
Hope the weather keeps good for you,
X Chris
Hello Sadie, I agree my soul is also connected to Colins and our love remains and always will. Love Pam xx
Hi Shelia Hope you are well Can only send short messages as the bloody lot disappears Computer chap coming back this week try and sort it Will send longer message then, Take care Love Pam xx
Oh Sheila, your stories are so lovely, when you were younger, all the dresses and shoes I can visualise it all.
I am a little younger than you, but the same things happened to me, my friend and I would spend all day Saturday scouring the shops for something to wear on Saturday nights, like you I wished I’d kept the clothes and shoes now, easy come easy go.
I worked in an office, and had to dress smart. I wear smart casual now.
I have some lovely dresses that I wore, when my husband and I went out, sadly still in the wardrobe, don’t think I’ll ever have the chance to wear them now, but I will keep them.
My daughter took me out yesterday, for a bit of retail therapy, and treated me to lunch, I was aimously wandering round, looking, feeling tearful as my hubby would be waiting around, nodding, waiting for me to go into the changing room, and telling me “yes have it if you want” (he never denied me anything) sadly those days are gone now, that’s why I tend to buy on line.
It’s painful, reminiscing all the good times we shared, wishing we could have it all back.
I’m 4 months now, I’m coping on the outside, smiley but not on the outside. I do get out, go for walks, pop into town, get dressed up to do so. I do sometimes feel what’s the point, but know I must continue as my David always commented that I always looked smart.
Watched a film last night,( Richard and Sarah )Richard E Grant his wife had died after giving birth to his daughter Sarah, and couldn’t cope, his parents stepped in and left the baby on his bed, so he had to cope. Sad but compelling viewing. Why I’m writing this is because, Richard spoke these words, which resonated with me. Speaking about his wife, " she’s gone and that’s that" So bloody true.
Take care everyone 
Yes it was sure a sad day for us the day C & A closed their doors to the public…us…C & A was our generation…
Jackie…
I was intending to add, just like everything…" all good things come to an ending…" sadly this is why we are now all posting on here…
Dear Sheila I haven’t been on the forum for a while.
A few things happened recently.
My son had an accident at work and broke his heel ,he will be off work for at least eight weeks. Hes trying to get around on crutches. We re going to Matlock in less than 3 weeks and we dont drive.
Were going anyway so we’ll just have a slightly less active holiday.
Then on Sunday my younger brother had a heart attack.
Hes in Broad green hospital this morning waiting to have a stent fitted.
My sister had the same 3 years ago and shes doing fine now.
I didnt think visiting the hospital would have an effect on me but all memories came flooding back of the time Phil and I spent in the hospital.
My brothers a very emotional person and he said Its ok for me I’m going home but Phil didnt.
So we were both crying. Then all my siblings turned up.
We all made a vow last year that we would make more of an effort to meet up after what happened in my life.
Before this we only ever met up for the odd family occasion and funerals.
We have seen more of each other these past twelve months and family squabbles are being put aside.lifes too short to hold grudges
I’m so sorry to hear thet you’re not well Sheila.
Shingles is dreadful, I remember my mum having it. Its so painful.
You’re obviously run down, everything catches up with you eventually.
Hope you’re feeling better soon.
You were saying about getting dressed up.
Nothings changed for me either in that way.
I still get ready for Phil as I always did.
To feel so despairing and heartbroken and still managing to look after myself, I’m sure Iwe must be etting help from somewhere
I’ve always been one for buying clothes and still do now, I just love clothes.
Dont know whether it’s because I was one of seven and never had much, because my siblings are the same.
Been missing my love terribly.
Keep looking at his pics which are all around and get the punch in the stomach,
Realising again that hes not coming back.
Still talk to him all day and every day, about anything and everything.
I cant even fathom how I got to here, just coming up to 13 months without his hugs and the laughs we had , and just the general companionship of being together and asking nothing more than to share each others company,
Yet hereI am still carrying on moving forward,
To the one goal I’m aiming for and that’s seeing him again,
Love Sandra xx
Already been in Richards bedroom talking to him and having my first cry of the day, now its 10.30am and having my second cry as I am getting my breakfast ready and looking at the now empty space he weetabix container would have been, and I am saying out loud to him, " Richard why aren’t you up getting your weetabix ready " while i am looking up at the clock on the wall…yes I am going mad here…
Jackie…
Sheila…
…same here, my Richard wore nothing but " polo tops…" always with 3 or 4 buttons at the neck, always wore short sleeves, come winter and summer…He would only where a shirt for a special occasion, his office job, a funeral or a wedding or my MS Christmas meal held in a posh hotel…
Jenny…
Ahh yes, the " Silver C
I have no idea as to why my posts keep on posting while i am still in the process of typing them out but they are doing so this morning…
Sheila…
…oh yes the " Silver Cross " prams, i too used one for my baby daughter back in 1969…i was an 18 year old mother back then…
I have recently seen ( whilst my clearing out of Richards photos as this was ALL his 83 year old sister wanted of his) she couldn’t even be bothered to stay a little after his funeral to sort out what she or the rest of his nieces and nephews wanted of his clothing, said they had to get back to avoid the 4 motorways, Heathrow included traffic, ( it of course was all cut and dried, they have no time for me.)…was an old black and white photo of Richard must have been two, three or four, with a cap on his head, and riding a child’s pedal type car outside his house…very dated of 70 years ago…
As I am typing i am picturing this photo and is breaking my heart that he was just a small child, now after living for another 70 years he is gone, gone with this life forever…
Jackie…
You are a brace woman shopping with your husband. If I asked Jack to come with me he would and wouldn’t complain but I rather not. Knowing someone was there just waiting for me would make me rush .also he would rather not go to the shops.
Sadie x
Struggling this evening. I’m feeling hollow and so alone. It’s been 20 weeks and one minute you think you are dealing with it and the next , OMG my whole world has gone . I can’t stop crying tonight in a tight mess. Hoping I can sleep x
Hi Sarahmay I’m not much help just wanted to say I’m 17 weeks and today has been horrendous I feel I’m back at the beginning again. Everyone says it’s too soon to look for it to feel better but how long does this pain go on for. If I don’t feel better I will phone theSamaritans 116 123. Please do this as they are good people. Breathing space will help too. Sorry I can’t be more helpful but I am thinking about you and I do care. Hugs Katie xx
Dear Sarahmay and Katie - I wished I could say to you that you will feel better from now on .
Jack died 10 months ago and shocked has passed but the numbness is still here - some days are good , others not so good and others really bad.
We just have to understand and accept that our lives are different - and nothing we can say or do will bring our beloved back to us.
I really don’t like when people say things like it is to early, you must move on, the 1st year is the worse - we will all cope in different ways
I have a wonderful supportive family and a few good friends but I feel alone and lonely - and although I crave company I do like to be alone because it is less exhausting
One thing is for sure , this forum helps , we tend to help each other and it is good to be heard without judgement
Take care
Sadie xx
Hi Katie
I hear the same too. It’s only been a few months. But yesterday was like it has just happened. I took a sleeping tablet and luckily I did sleep. Today is a new day. Trying to move forward . Thank you for that number I will make a note of it. So sorry you are going through the same it’s such a struggle isn’t it. This time last year we were planning and booking this years holidays. Sarahmay xx
Hi Sadie,
It is a struggle and I guess the fear of moving forward alone. I too has a fabulous network of friends and family but like you crave being alone. People just don’t understand that though do they. They have the best intentions but sometimes just to cuddle up with his dressing gown on the sofa is all I want to do. My wedding anniversary is looming as is my daughters 1st wedding anniversary, 2 days apart. Will be a challenge for us all . Sarahmay xx
Hi Sheila and Jackie Richard. My Phil wore nothing but polo shirts, hated cre
Hi Sheila and Jackie Richard. My Phil wore nothing but polo shirts, hated crew neck t shirts.
He always looked smart. The day I met him he was wearing George Best fashion.
He looked gorgeous. He was tall and slim with lovely curley hair. He could have modelled those clothes.
In the winter he would wear a jumper over them.
He only wore a shirt and tie for special occasions, but he was always smart casual.
I always chose his clothes. He trusted me, and I knew what he liked.
Wish I was still choosing them for him,
Love Sandra xx