MY BIG SISTER - MARGARET x Margaret was always my big sister, but she was also like my Mum. She looked after me when she was just seven years old herself. My sister and I shared a bedroom, and often she would tell me stories about a girl who lived in a wardrobe. These stories went on for months, maybe years, but I would get a few episodes a week, just like the TV series, which as an adult Margaret would love to watch, East Enders. But my girl in the wardrobe did not have quite so much dramatic content, thank goodness! Margaret would very often take myself and all the kids my age from the street out to the park for the day. She walked the several miles and would take around 6 or 7 of us. Margaret would be in total charge of us, and that was only at the age of 10! We were like the story of the Famous Five, getting up to daily adventures. These walks continued into adulthood. We would walk together along the canal and park every week, and even though we were both adults, my sis would still always grab my hand when crossing the road! On my 60th birthday I said, “I think I’m old enough now that I can cross myself”. But if I could have here now she could hold my hand as long as she wanted. If I could give a big sister like mine to the world it would make it a much better place. I always remember one day when my sister told me when we die we go to heaven. I asked her what is heaven, and she told me it’s like Ruislip Lido, with blue lakes, bird, trees and it’s forever sunny. It was described as a lovely place with happy people. She told me that’s where we will meet again when we die. I wish heaven had not been so soon for Margaret, but I know one day I will see her there.