I took my boy to stay with his sister for the first time. Mixed emotions. So proud of the man he has become. My greatest achievement in life. School wasn’t for him. He has a job, friends, compassion and love

There have been times when my boy and I have not seen eye to eye. There have been times of beauty and indeed angst, times of anger, sorry, delight and happiness. There have been times when I have messed up completely (I have – I am not being down on myself). Some moments I have been inadequate, and moments when I wondered whether we would make it.

Watching him blossom and grow has been a most wonderful thing.

My boy, you are a man now – and I love you.