Welcome Jackie
I'm originally from London and husband (Besty) is from Scotland. We had close friends in Macclesfield and my grandfather was from Liverpool. We left a year ago. It's been a tough ride and yes, I try not to think about the lost years and the 'what could've beens' as it gets too depressing but life is good and getting better every day. We have two little ones who will grow up normal and that is just the best thing to come out of all of this - that and friends now that are truly unconditional, unlike the ones we left behind.
This is a great place to get things off your chest but watch out for the nutters.... :-)