That schoolchild of days gone by is always with us

I thought Paul was getting nostalgic when he changed his social media picture. The new image was black and white, a close-up of him aged five.

He had a tousled short-back-and-sides haircut, innocent brown eyes, and lips that might have been a healthy red colour. The boy had an open and curious expression, like a child anticipating an adventure.

These days, Paul is different – 6ft, hefty, bald, with half a dozen grandchildren older than the boy in the picture.

Like I said, I thought he was being nostalgic. Then I read the caption he’d typed beneath the photo. It read: “Still here!”

It’s a special thing to be of retiral age and still be in touch with the newly-minted schoolchild you once were. Have a look. It might be more difficult for some. But, trust me (and Paul), you’re still there!