This is a true story of the life of Iris Prosser, born in the UK, raised four children and now retired in New Zealand. A fourth son was born in New Zealand. Originally printed and prefaced by W. (Bill) Howard Thompson-Prosser who said "This story begins with life in the Princess Louise home for girls in England during the Second World War. Being subject to bomb attacks and to shortage of food was not as devastating as a life with almost no hugs and being on the receiving end of constant bullying. The result is a spirit that is often trying to "prove" itself. A very competitive effort was put in during teenage years at a French college and in later life to such things as learning to play the piano well, or even to playing tennis and squash to a standard that finally Iris accepted as good enough. This is a competitive spirit that two of her sons inherited, and that saw them compete in the Olympic games at Lillehammer, Albertville and Barcelona. It is a driving force that refuses to accept second best. It is a life that determined Iris to give to her children the love she herself so longed to receive. Written with love by Bill.