MY MOTHER, THE MECHANIC

A story from my cousin Michael Webb and his wife Anne, in April 2009, just after my Dad died.

Hi Sandra,

Firstly, we hope that everyone is OK.  We know that you will be run off your feet, but try and take time out too.   When Michael last phoned you, he told a story about his Uncle Tommy which you asked him to put down into words – so here it is!

Here is a story you asked Michael to write out for you

When your Mum and Dad came to visit us, I had my first car – a very old and unreliable Ford Fiesta.  Michael told your Dad that the car was playing up – yet again – and immediately, your Dad volunteered to take a look at it.

He renewed the spark plugs and re-set the points. When he was re-setting the points, your Dad couldn’t remember the distance that should be between them.  He turned to your Mum and asked her advice and immediately, she said “Nought point two five” – as quick as a flash!   Your Dad turned to Michael and said “What a woman, what a woman!  Do you know she can still strip an engine and put it back together again?”  with very obvious pride!

They were quite a pair, my parents.   And I miss them every day.