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TWO  LIVES

by

ELIZABETH  REEVE

An autobiography relating the special relationship between a mother and her son.

Liz was born into a loving Christian home and lived that life-style for many years.  Trained as a secretary, she embraced socially responsible roles through parent-teacher associations, playgroups and other committees.   

In 1988, she became Secretary to the Council for Social Responsibility of Derby Diocese as well as to The Padley Group, a homelessness project involving residential and day care.  A few years later, she was instrumental in setting up a drop-in centre in Belper.

In 1994, she completed a three year, part-time Diploma in Theology and Pastoral Studies at Nottingham University and in September 1996 began a year-long journey in a motorhome around Europe whilst her husband, Mick, worked as a volunteer in chateaux and botanical gardens - the second year of a Diploma in Horticulture.  Returning in September 1997, she and Mick began six years as Camp Site Managers with the Camping and Caravanning Club.  She has now been retired for several years, but having returned to her birth place now acts as Secretary to the Don Gorge Community Group based at Lower Sprotborough, near Doncaster in South Yorkshire.

Her son, Michael, was born in 1967.  His childhood exhibited signs of independence from an early age and his non-conformity to the usual principles expected of young children carried on into his teenaged and adult years.  Whilst being loving and caring to his family and in many ways adhering to good ecological values, he had a side to his personality which ultimately led to the road to self-destruction.  Leaving home at 16, he eventually travelled to Spain where an early indulgence in drugs gathered momentum.  In 2000, he and his partner, Mary, returned to England, leaving Mary's daughter, Cara, behind in the care of the Spanish Social Services.  After an initial attempt to become clean of drugs, they were again sucked back in and, when Mary died, Michael went into a downward spiral, ending up in intensive care for seven weeks before once again beginning the road to recovery.

A story of love, patience and hope offered as a lifeline to those in similar circumstances.

ALSO

A YEAR ON THE ROAD

A small book of theological reflections written during a year travelling round Europe in1996-97.