‘I had not thought it would be like this’

I found Gil’s letters from Singapore after Mum died. She told me there was some family history in box files she kept in the study. Her neat orderly system was reduced to chaos as I pulled everything out to look through. I wish I’d seen them earlier. Who was Jean? Did she ever get to meet the 20 year old from Halifax who looked like Clark Gable? I hope so. I smiled at Gil starting his letters ‘Annwyl Oll’ [Dear All]. Letters had to be approved before they were sent, so Welsh wasn’t allowed. He managed to sneak some in anyway.

I also found this, which shook me. I knew the funeral had been quick, but three days after?

The name ‘Craig’ on the funeral sheet should be Greg, my husband. I am angry at first at this hurried disposal, then I think of the incomprehensible hell my parents found themselves in. Sometimes, you can only save yourself.