Alison Curtis: Loosening up on the invisible string

"I am a little embarrassed to admit that it has only been in the last year that I have been comfortable with her disappearing down another aisle in the shopping centre"

Pic: Marc O'Sullivan

Over the summer, Joan has asked more and more about going places on her own: To the shops, to a friend’s, or for a walk. I have always resisted and have got about as far as letting her ride her bike around the green in front of our house.

However, a few weeks ago she was being looked after by a pal, who kindly called and asked if I was comfortable with Joan and her daughter going to the shops on their own.