September 13, 2005 1:20 PM BST
The question of a close relationship... certainly is what saddens me most.
Since my early twenties I have been ruling it out as simply impossible. And now, as you both are implying, what chances are there really ? As things were - the chance simply wasn't there. Being close is, after all, so much about honesty. Which means that now there is at least some hope, whatever small. Still, showing the world the face of a kind and smiling woman must make for somewhat better chances.
Linda