An unfinished painting

This unfinished painting by my mother, depicts the Northgate in Rochester.

Behind it, stood the Horse and Groom, later to be turned into a quirky roadhouse style Café called Dodgers Diner.

It was here that I was introduced by Rodger, the owner, to other patrons of similar interests to my own, and where I would sometimes take my children for lunch when we were in town.

The painting evokes many memories, mostly happy. I rescued it from what was left of my parents house after it was burnt down. It was never finished, because before she could finish it, my mother's friend grew impatient to leave, so it was never framed.

One of the kindest things that a friend can do after a bereavement is to share a memory of the loved one.

After my 21-year-old son died, and I had sold my business interests, I met the secretary who worked for me. She was very fond of him, and they would often share lunchtimes.

She told me of the time she was out in the town, shopping with her 13-year-old daughter, when they met my son. He invited them to join him for a drink in Dodgers.

The daughter, a little shy, and as pretty as her mother, was flattered, and a little surprised, when my son said, I can't marry your mother, because she's already married, so I will have to wait until you are old enough.