Fifteen years ago, before my dad showed any signs of dementia, my mum who appeared to be very healthy, died suddenly from a brain haemorrhage. My dad was on his own with her when it happened. It was first thing in the morning, and mum was up, dressed and in the kitchen. She had put cereal and milk into her bowl and was about to put the milk back in the fridge when she just crumpled into a heap on the floor. Dad called 999 and she was taken to hospital where she very quickly died. Nothing could be done. They had been married for 45 years and I was their only child. I lived not all that far away from them, but as it happened so very quickly I couldn't get there in time.

Dad was brought up in Scotland by his mother and father who belonged to the Plymouth Brethren, his father being an elder. Dad loved his parents very much. He considered them to be really wonderful, genuine, good people, but he didn't share their strong faith, although he was 'saved' when he was a teenager. He didn't want to live their lifestyle, and so when he was 21 he left home and joined the Royal Navy.

Despite his upbringing, he became non-religious and non-spiritual. Strong minded, logical, down to earth. He always said to me "When you die, you're dead, and that's it"

Anyhow, when my mum died in that hospital room and dad was alone with her body, according to dad an Angel 'walked' into the room, although she did not seem to have legs. She was dressed in pure dazzling white, with no hair showing, but had the most beautiful face. She put her hand on his shoulder and comforted him, and spoke to him in a soft Scottish accent.

For years after, dad used to say "I've got an Angel"

Sadly now Alzheimer's has taken over his mind, he remembers neither my mum or his Angel.

I would welcome any views on this, or any experiences, as it has continued to intrigue me.

Thanks x