Watching another beautiful sunset on my favourite beach in Turkey, I sighed. As usual, I was there alone. Perpetually single, in my 20s and 30s I’d worked hard as a solicitor, and dating or holidays weren’t a priority.
So when my mum, 69, died of cancer in July 2007, I’d taken a career break to travel using my inheritance. Now, three years later, in March 2010, I was enjoying the jet-set lifestyle and financial freedom my inheritance gave me. ‘I just wish I had someone to share it with,’ I thought.
So, once home, I started online dating and came across Craig Brown, then 41. He wasn’t my usual clean-cut type, with rugged looks, shaved head and tattoos, but his profile said he was adventurous and loved travel, like me, and when we met for coffee, he seemed funny and sensitive, too. The spark between us was undeniable. I opened up to Craig about Mum’s death, while he told me about his Crohn’s disease, a serious bowel condition. ‘I sold my furniture-making business as I can’t work, but I’ve invested my money and I’m doing OK,’ he smiled.
‘It can’t have been easy,’ I sympathized. Things became serious, and while I’d always felt insecure about being size 18, Craig’s constant compliments made me feel beautiful. Only, on 2 April, Craig got bad news. ‘My sister died of breast cancer at 3.30am,’ he texted one morning.
‘I’m so sorry,’ I replied. I was heartbroken for him. He told me his sister had fought bravely, before dying with him by her side. Having lost Mumto cancer, I knew how he was feeling, so to be supportive I signed up for the Race for Life in his sister’s memory.
That June, we went on holiday to Turkey, and as we walked along the beach, Craig said he loved me.
This story is from the February 24, 2020 edition of WOMAN'S OWN.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 24, 2020 edition of WOMAN'S OWN.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Is it ever OK to lie about your age?
Kaye Adams has done it, and even Mel B jokes that she doesn't believe friend Geri Horner is 51. We ask...
‘I DIDN'T THINK.I'D SEE MUM AGAIN'int ICAT AFAR
MelB on rebuilding her life rebuilding her life after her abusive’ marriage
8 WAYS TO BECOME A MORNING PERSON
Improve body and mind with just a few simple tweaks to your daily routine
WHY YOU NEVER FORGET YOUR FIRST LOVE
(laire Dore, 50, learnt a lot from her first serious relationship
WHAT'S THE NAKED ATTRACTION ?
After a host of celebrities admitted to stripping off behind closed doors, Natalie Brown, 43, decided to bare all to find out just what all the fuss was about
MY FURY AT BEING A GRAN AT 52
Shona Sibary was far from excited when her eldest daughter welcomed her first child
A YEAR IN THE MAKING
Many of us shy away from drastic change but for these three women, it was just what they needed
I LOST 6ST AND FOUND THE REAL ME!
Shay Al-Ajami May, 32, was fed up pretending to be happy, so she decided to make it a reality
WHAT DO YOUR FEET SAY ABOUT YOUR HEALTH?
From heart disease to arthritis, here’s what they might be trying to tell you…
HOW CAN WE HELP OUR CHILDREN?
With more young people facing mental-health crises, we investigate what needs to be done