Keith Palmer tells John about great uncle Lawrence who's life in Florida provided the young Keith with an image of glamour and mystique....

Lawrence and glamorous lady friend

Keith Palmer was brought up in a small pit town in County Durham. His full name is Keith Lawrence Palmer, the 'Lawrence' after a great uncle who moved to Florida in his youth. The young Keith had seen pictures of Lawrence, always looking so glamorous he could have been a film star; often with beautiful women and amazing backdrops. His Dad had a suitcase of these pictures, so when aged six he met the actual man it was a big event in his childhood.

Lawrence was a tall man like his granddad. Keith sat on his knee and heard about America. As he left, Lawrence made him promise to come to stay with him.

Thirty two years later, and with a wife and daughter in tow, Keith finally made it to Florida and decided that this was the opportunity of a lifetime to go and meet his great uncle. Lawrence was now in his nineties, and living in a residential home.

Calling him out of the blue was terrifying, but when Keith did, it didn't take Lawrence long to remember who he was. Lawrence was delighted when Keith asked if he could come and meet him. So when no coach could be found the family hired a taxi to get there, costing a staggering $500!

The meeting of the two Lawrences was a very emotional occasion for both of them. For Keith it was as though his granddad was sitting there. As he told John, the journey was a sort of pilgrimage - not just for himself but also for his dad and granddad.

Keith and Lawrence

They've kept in touch since. When Keith's wife had a baby son, Lawrence said "I want to hold that baby". So when John asked "Will you go back?", the answer was "absolutely".