Our mother died in 1978.  None of us were aware that we had a half sister in Denmark, although Christine knew we existed So it was quite a revelation to learn that we had a half sister.

When we first met, I felt an immediate affection and chemistry with Christine.  I think she felt the same.  Over the years we spent a lot of time together with her visits to England, visiting my house in Debden where I still remember the rooster chasing her young son Martin across the back yard.

We met in London, at Tower Bridge.  In fact, every opportunity I could spend with Christine, I made sure I was there.  I remember dad going to Dublin (with Muriel) and saying that Christine would be going, so I made sure I went too.

Christine was my big sister and someone who was proud, smart, confident and exotic.  Danish is exotic to the English.  I have many stories from dad about his time in Denmark with his special friends; especially Christine’s uncle.

In 1991 I flew to Copenhagen to visit Christine. 

I moved to America in 1996 but wanted to stay in touch so emailed her in 1999. She responded:

Glad to hear that you are doing well. Pls. tell me more about your life in the US.

Yes, I have moved, not far, only 4 km from where I lived before – you know the place, very close to the station where we caught the train to Copenhagen – remember? You drove our car down there.

So I am still North of Copenhagen When will you be in the UK again? We should coordinate that we could meet up in the UK, or you fly via Copenhagen.

Love

Christine

In the subsequent emails Christine said that she and Martin would like to visit me in the USA. She never did and ultimately we drifted apart. She had virtually no relationship with dad.

Dad felt everyone basically ignored him.  I called him regularly in England and we discussed it all while he was here.  He said he could be dead for a year before anyone would even know.

That being said, all he felt about Christine was guilt.  He may have been difficult with us but he deserted Christine… and he knew it.