Alan and I met on a blind date. He climbed out of his car, at Forest Hill Station, he was tall dark and handsome and I fell instantly in lust. He had planned a drink at a trendy wine bar followed by a meal in a swanky resturant. We ended up having a drink in the Windmill followed by burger and chips. He said I was his sort of a girl, cheap and cheerful! When we first met he was working for Smiths (in the print) but soon gave that up to open the first of his shops selling hardware. He then worked with Steve overseeing a printing workshop. He later Studied the "Knowledge" and drove a Black Taxi for 9 years. He became a chaffeur and worked for the last two years taking clients to the London airports and Arsenal Football Club, much to his disgust, as he had always been an avid Millwall supporter. "This time next year I'll be a millionaire" this saying was meant for Al, his mind was full of ideas and there was always a plan or project on the go. The most memorable being the "no iron clothes dryer" the tie clip (to make sure you always had a neat knot), but best of all was "odd bods" different coloured shoes that matched in some way, he even had a pair made. When I was clearing out the cupboards I found all the paperwork from the Patent Office - all ready to go for the next invention. We decided to live together after 8 years, "you know your still on trial" was one of his favourate sayings, I must have done something right because he finally felt I made the grade and in June 2006 he asked me to marry him, in front of all our friends and family. We were married on 23rd June 2007, the vicar double booked as did the venue, so as ever, friends rallied, Judi found us a humanist to conduct the blessing after the registry office ceremony and Jack came to the rescue and found us a new venue 24 hours before the big day. The girls helped with the food, the boys rung around letting everyone know the change of venue, Kate decorated the cake and made my bouquet, what a team! I have never seen Al so nervous as he was that day and he shed a tear as we said our vowels. It rained all day, so no fancy wedding photo's, just loads & loads of everyone having a wonderful time, the sun finally came out for the open air blessing and we both felt it was the best day of our live together. I am so blessed to have thousands of memories of happy times with our family and friends. Watching our children grow into wonderful adults, giving us 6 beautiful grandchildren who made us laugh and frown in equal measures. Al singing karaoke in Blackpool, Caribbean & Mediterrain Cruises, watching football in Barcelona & Milan. Watching England v South Africa cricket in South Africa for his 50th. Spending precious time together in our bolthole in Alhaurin, he told me he would show me the world and he do! We were together 27 years, I'm as much in lust with him as I was on that first night and love him more than words can ever say. He has been my lover, my best friend and my rock for so long that life without his smile, laughter and tender care seems so empty. The last words he said to me was that he loved me, the best words in the world. He told the children & grandchildren, whenever they asked, that he was 29, join me and write your favourite memory of him and he will stay with us forever.