[Romantic Old Bird]

How awful (I mean the old lady with the X!!)

My mum was robbed by a thief who came to her door, supposedly to sell dusters etc. She didn't need anything, but felt sorry for him and bought a peg bag. He then asked for a cup of tea, and she made him one.

When she brought the tea out, he took a couple of mouthfuls and left. She realised he had taken her month's rent money (£80) which she had taken out from her pension money and hidden in the cupboard under some teatowels, when they came to collect it that day.

Now, you might think 'how silly of her' on several fronts. However, she was a very bright and kind lady who had always found something good in everyone she met. She would have given the man £80 if he had told her he was desperate. She had always taken in and helped people in trouble. I never knew who might be staying in our back room for a few days.

Once it was a girl 'in trouble' whose parents had thrown her out. Another time it was a young couple whose house had been repossessed.

She was a sweet and gentle soul, and when this happened to her she felt so stupid and hurt. She was so distressed that she had a ministroke later the same day. She lost her confidence completely and died within a few weeks.

Until that time, she was well and active. In effect, those pigs broke her heart. They might as well have killed her. I suppose it was all in a day's work for them.

Back to Orlaith - well I am sorry that it happened to her, but who on earth needs to carry that much cash? Silly girl.