A Boy Who Grew Old but Never Grew Up

Pepper had four older brothers and an older sister but was raised as an only child. The youngest of his siblings was twelve years his senior. Pepper always regarded himself as an afterthought. Pepper's father, whom he loved but barely knew, died when he was only nine - Pepper, that is, not his father. Pepper's father was eleven years older than his mother - Pepper's, that is, not his father's. Pepper inherited his life from his mother. Although she survived two World Wars and the Great Depression, Pepper never wanted for anything. Love you, Mum. Pepper aged his way through two marriages, a family and a reasonable career. He regrets that some of that time could not have been spent growing up.