The first time I saw MARIA MARINO was when I was in black notley hospital for a cartilage operation  in those days back in1962 you would be I hospital for 7 days or so. a maid on the ward MARIA served the teas and coffees amongst her other duties, she was often smiling MARIA had a very infectious smile ,and I  looked forward to when she would come onto the ward ,liked MARIA and I said to RON I like MARIA then tell her or I will he said ,well iwas to shy so true to his word RON said to MARIA  REX likes you she looked across at me and sensed she did not dismiss me once I was discharged  from hospital we began to see each other then we dated I would either bus or cycle up to the hospital  MARIA had only been in ENGLAND for 6 months and did not speak or understand much ENGLISH  as she had come from her homeland SICILY but she soon began to learn  English . we married in march 1963 and we had a daughter and son  I well remember some of my family saying this marriage would not last MARIA would return to SICILY NOT A CHANCE we were married for 55 wonderful years .now all I have left of MARIA is my memories but they will remain with me forever loe and miss you my darling so much xxx