I met Lyn’s brother, Paul today, for the first time. I’d never met him before. Lyn warned me he comes over every Christmas, but it was a bit of a surprise when he appeared at the door this morning. Lyn was still in bed, so when he appeared at the door, Andrezj and I just took him for another delivery guy. We were about to take his present and shut the door when he said ”tell Lyn I called’, and it was then that I realised who he was.

Of course we invited him in, and while Andrezj helped Lyn to get up, I got talking to Paul. I was, ii must admit, extremely nervous: it’s not every day that you meet the brother of your – somewhat older – girlfriend. I didn’t know what he thought of me, and half expected him to ask ”what are you doing messing around with my little sister”. I needn’t have worried: once we got chatting, I realised Paul was a very nice guy, and a family man. Lyn wheeled in shortly after, and we got talking. I must admit I was touched to see how well Paul and Lyn get on.

I realised, as those two spoke, that I have a new family to find out about. I don’t know any of them, but, if all goes to plan, they’ll be part of my extended family before long, so I best get cracking. Knowing that makes me smile, but most of all I’m really pleased with how I got on with Paul. It feels like a worry has been lifted from my shoulders.