Looking at this photo, of children sitting on the wall.

I try to spot my siblings, and see if I am there at all.

The photo it was taken, in 1949.

Life was full of laughter, as we played to pass the time.

The photo tells a story of rescue from despair.

So grateful was my father, we were taken into care.

For months he tried to manage, keeping us at home.

But he couldn’t cope being left, with ten children all alone.

At times it was a struggle, with emotions up and down.

But the bond we had between us, taught us not to frown.

Now we are all pensioners, reflecting on times gone by.

We remember all the happy times, and laugh before we cry.

Marion Hughes, Darlington