We were never unhappily married but after Lucy was born our marriage just got stronger and stronger. I cannot imagine how it could have been any better. I have been the luckiest of men. (OK, I'll wait while you blow your nose.)

And now I have a lovely daughter (who looks very much like her mum) at university. She appears to have spent the first fortnight partying. Will someone tell her please that it's not supposed to be a holiday?

Her first text message to me began: 'Just met my future husband…' Ha-ha, very funny Lucy. She shares her mother's sense of humour.

You don't think she was being serious, do you?

SOME USEFUL WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS

tearful
emotional

late
You use 'late' to describe someone who is dead.

conventionally
in the usual way

pornographic
designed to excite sexually; obscene

ditch
get rid of; give up; leave (idiomatic)

skinny
extremely thin

spiky
with sharp points

outrageously
unacceptably badly

registry office
place where births, marriages and deaths are officially registered and where people can get married

witnesses
people who sign a document you have signed to confirm that it really is your signature

 

MORE PHRASAL VERBS

Find 'setting up' in my first paragraph. It means to prepare. When we set up Lucy's rooms we put her books on the shelves, her clothes in the wardrobes, some pictures on her walls and plants on her desk.

Complete the following sentences with one of the phrasal verbs with 'set' listed below:
1. We ____________________ at midnight to avoid the motorway traffic. [began our journey]
2. When my father first ____________________ in business his was the only garage on the island. [started]
3. The curator ____________________ the delicate vase very carefully. [put down; placed]
4. While walking through the forest she was ____________________ by a pack of wolves. [attacked]
5. Next month I'm going to ____________________ a couple of days to tidy up my garden. [keep free]

(a) set upon (b) set aside (c) set off (d) set down (e) set up

Now find 'take on' in my fourth paragraph. It means accept or take responsibility for.

Complete the following sentences with one of the phrasal verbs with 'take' listed below, in the correct grammatical form:
1. She was in love with her new boyfriend but she didn't want to ______________ his two young children. [accept responsibility for]
2. When the pilot became ill the co-pilot had to ____________________. [act as the pilot]
3. There were so many homeless children after the earthquake that we decided to ____________________ as many as we could. [accept into our home]
4. I have to ____________________ my new job on 1 November. [start]
5. There are too many adjectives in your composition. Can you ________________ at least half of them? [remove; delete]

(a) take over (b) take up (c) take out (d) take in (e) take on

WRITE TO STEPHEN

Thank you for sending your comments, this topic is now closed.

Cloudia, Beijing, China
Hello, Stephen! It's such a honour to visit your site as well as BBS learning English website. I found it is so useful for me as an English learner. When I first visited your website, I has been allured by your excellent writing ever since! expecially your sense of humour, your friendly tone and your optimism, as well as it's quite educational! I found it is pretty useful for me, and I will read your writing in the future, and try to reply as possible as I can! I was quite amused by your wedding, because in China, wedding is the biggest day for Chinese people through our whole life! During that day, the couple must be dressed beautifully, and should organise a quite large wedding feast for anyone who attend their wedding. For whose people who attend wedding ceremony, they had the obligation of giving presents to the couple, which means best wishes for the couple and never be divorced. Is fish and chips a famous dish to English people? does it has any special meaning for English people? Again thank you very much for your writing, which I'm quite enjoyed, and best wishes for you and Lucy! I'm looking forward for your next topic.

Klezmer, Philippines, Zamboanga City
Hi Stephen! Now I have found a column that helps me hone my English! Great column. God bless! Klezmer

Francine Marzaro, Brussels, Belgium
Dear StephenI've just discovered some of your stories. It's so well written and lively. That's exactly what I need to improve my English. In fact, I learned it in London years ago... Now that I don't work anymore (for my living) and am not very interested (at the moment by my artistic life, painting, writing), I've just started to give English course conversation to mature people. Hum! From 50 years old. Pre-intermediate level, more or less. I love that new job! I'm a free worker and that does mean something to me. Of course! It's only once a week but I intend to attend an advanced course for improving my own knowlege of English and this is given by a very kind Londoner. My mother tongue is French (Belgium! you kown.) I am also Italian (my father). So thank you very very much for what you are, for what you write and give to others.I felt so deeply sorry when I read about your wife. Best wishes for your dear daughter.Francine. Brussels. Belgium.

Amjad, Ahwaz
Good day! Stephen,[is it usual to use "Good Day", or am I translating from my own?]I should confess that I was seeing your name on & on but only recently I was tempted to have a look, and WOW, I'm a regular visiter now.You're so talented in using the words and look at me after more than ten years studying it, I'm still a novice. That's O.K, I always remain a fan of English.Love your coloumns, Amjad

Habooba, Ahwaz
Marhaba Stephen,It's really pleasant to read your notes. You write in a way that makes me watch as I move on reading, and it makes me feel as if I've shared in your experiences. Looking forward to join you in your experiences, my friend.All the best,Habooba

Me-ann Macaraeg, UAE, Deira
Dear Stephen, Hi! I have read the column and it seems that you are both such a nice pair couple - with Yvonne, your late wife.Sir, hope you won't mind that I just want to ask some tips from you since I am presently working as a Secretary for almost 7 yrs. and I always encounter fear as my problem in communicating. It really traces my weak capability to communicate when that attacks me, especially if I'm amidst too much pressure between work and taking instructions from my superiors. Please advise me how to cope up with this problem. You may give me some points to ponder. Thank you and looking forward to hear from you. Me-ann

Ilyas, Muhammad, USA
hi stephen, it is my first time reading your journal, i have been in america for couple of years now. it is sad to hear your wife died of cancer. Im not married yet but i dont know how would you feel the day when your companion for so many years leave you forever. i know it must have hurt you alot, but i think your daughter must have kept you moving in life.

Sachinshah, India, Gujarat (Baroda)
Hi Stephen, i am your new student pls accept my regards, i read your blog it was really soothing somewhat i am also passing through same phase anyways i am not good at english but i am trying to communicate at my best and this is the best way to go thorough, anyways mr.Stephen interesting to know about you believe first love is always a first love the good time you had is absoutely unforgetable the time u met her, the romantic moments, the love fights i pray to god to give all the happiness you deserve and as far as Lucy is concerned dont worry after all she is your daughter and daughter always loves father rest all leave it to almighty cheers...sachin bye

Fatemeh, Afghanistan
Im quite preplexed, your story was incredibly interesting, the way you explained was tremendous. I hope one day in future can obtain this ability to write and speak like you. Thanks very much for help us to improve our English. I think real love is never fade from lover heart and im sure she will be in your heart for ever but I know its very hard to live without persons who we love them. moreover, I think you were a kind and good husband for your wife too, a reciprocal communication. in my opinion, our life is simply a reflection of our action or behaviour. its not coincidence, it’s a reflection of us. do you agree with me? Thanks for sharing with us your personality memorise. I'm married and I have a 5-year-olds daughter. I love my husband and my daughter so much, they are every thing in my life. Furthermore, they say hello to you. I have a best wishes for you and for your lovely daughter and say hi to her. Thanks for phrasal verbs exercise,that was so useful for me. Have a good time and take care.

Tiasha
Dear Stephen, In your last column your love story and your wife's death were deeply touched my heart. Stephen you have good sense of humor and by your writing you make people laugh a lot. what a great gift for you. when I read every one of your column I laugh a lot. how is Lucy? She is a pretty smart young lady. Don't worry about her, she has good moral values, she never go to bad path. However, because she is a freshman at her university time to time give good advice about making good friendship, taking care her good health, developing good eating habits, learning to manage her study time and etc,. Does Lucy has a fall break. When will she come and see you? I am looking forward to see your next blog to know more about Lucy's life on campus. How is your life goes on without Lucy? O.k Stephen, let me do home work in phrasal verbs. 1)We set off at midnight to avoid the motorway traffic. 2)when my father first set up in business his was the only garage on the island. 3)the curator set down the delicate vase very carefully. 4)While waking through the forest she was set upon by a pack of wolves. 5) Next month I'm going to set aside a couple of days to tidy up my garden.(Shall I give a hand to clean your garden because I love gardening. Take phrasal verbs1) She was in love with her new boyfriend but she didn't want take over his young children. When the pilot became ill the co pilot had take on. 3)There were so many homeless children after the earthquake that we decided to take in as many as we could. 4) I have to take on my new job on 1st november. 5) there are too many adjectives in your composition. Can you take out at least half of them. my kind regards.

Mercedes, Spain, Andalucia Sevilla
Hello Stephen, today I have my heart breaking. My son are in NY learning English and I am in Sevilla...but I will like to be in NY. My English is very bad but I am learnig whit your blog. Thank,

Anita, Slovakia
Hello Stephen! I find your column, without doubt, deeply moving. It sounds as if your late wife was still alive. Does Yvonne appear in your dreams? I would like to share with you that I always dream about my late mother. She appears in my dreams quite often. It is a good feeling for me because I feel that she is with me. She died of cancer 6 years ago and she was very weak and thin when she passed away. But in my dreams she is always healthy, kind and she looks well. What do you think about that? Do you ever have such feelings? Do not worry about Lucy. She is a clever girl. Best wishes,

Marianna, Slovakia
Hello Stephen! If I repeated my comment it would be the snow from yesterday (as in German) or from the last year (Slovak). Anyway,it is never late to acknowledge you for having still this patience giving lessons and teaching pupils. I reckon your Swedish class haven´t forgotten you as a teacher, have they? Peter´s class after their maturity exams presented to class-teacher a small golden ear-rings as memory gift. Last Christmas I gave to my student teacher a picture, a simple drawing in orange aquarel pencil of last few marigold flowers I had in a vase on the table. Then, she suprised me with a hand embroidered piece of work on our last Easter lesson. Poor one, she had to visit an ophtalmologist after that. I believe on the best finishing her university studium as translator of English and French, because the goverment in sparing money canceled her faculty. Yesterday I´ve read in an medical article about the brain that our thoughts reach so far only how big our capacity is to express them. Here you are going to have a lot of work yet to teache us on this field. This time my mom liked to discuss over your last story and, yes, Stephen, it wasn´t best opinions about you!(Tomorrow she is 79) Two things I regreted this year, that there is not your study book on the market and Adriana couldn´t post her study method on her blog. Good luck to you and happy student´s life for Lucy!

Ana, Poland
Hi Stephen, it takes years to write so openly about our dearest ones who passed away and when that very moment comes it brings a relief, but even then it’s not that easy to share it with other people. You did it gradually. I remember the photo with the Chinese students. There is something special about that photo, I can quite easily visualize it but if you asked me why I would have some problems in finding proper words. Perhaps it’s too personal as well as the story of your love. But as usual it has recalled some lovely memories, the stories I keep in my mind as old photos in sepia though physically they don’t exist. One of them is very romantic indeed. This is one of the last days of the 2WW. A young, skinny soldier, in a long, military overcoat comes with his division into my mother’s city (she was then 17). He chairs a meeting and though he looks rather sad and tired my mum has a feeling she’s falling in love with him. He faints suddenly and she’s the first to call a doctor – my grandfather. Later it occurred the he hadn’t eaten for the last few days. Don’t ask if they were happy, it really doesn’t matter now. With lots of love to you and Lucy,

Ania,Poland
Hello Stephen, I read this article and the other one and I'm happy that you have so many friends with all the world.My english is not so good but I'm proud of myself that I understand what you write.I have a favour to ask of you-write frequently please.Thanks.

Esther, Germany, Reinheim,
Thanks, Stephen, for telling us your story.It was just "perfect" - educational, interesting, funny and heart-breaking.It's my mum's birthday on the 8th October, but after reading your story, I won't forget your wife's day of death.I am looking forward to getting to know you a bit more and to learning while reading your comments.

Rosa, Basque country
I Love your column and I'm trying to get my students to send you some comment. I hope they eventually will.

Kujur, R.P. Albert, India,Raipur
I have read your text. I enjoyed it. I love reading. keep on writing more. It helps for language learners. A big thanks and congratulation.

Yuriko,Japan
Hullo,Stephen and guys! I've been away from this site because I had to write some reports to take the license called "Shisho-Kyohyu" in Japanese which is one of the teachers 'license to help students and teachers for their studies using school library. (Does anyone know this Japanaese? Is any other equivalent license in any countries?)Now I've finishied the work and I came back! I was moved by your story. As if you were sorry for Yvonne not have been behaving romantically. Yvonne had been a independent woman and she had been loving you so much I suppose. It seems to me that you can express your feeling straightly toward Lucy. When I came back and write to you I noticed the way of thinking by English is so much different from the one by Japanses and it is very good to think and express my feelings in different language. Thank you, BBC and the guys here to give me the chance to learn English in this way.

Jill Huang, Beijing
Last week, my boyfriend asked me one night:” have you read Stephen’s latest column? It’s so moving.” I read it just now, in a cloudy morning, after coming to my office. I was touched by the love between you and your wife. People often say: loving a person is easy, but living with him is difficult. Stephen, you tell us what a happy marriage is. It’s more than romance. It’s two people facing all the problems together. After my death, I hope my husband will feel that he is a lucky man meeting and living with me. Hey, Stephen, you should live each day happily with so many beautiful memories, especially ditching “the class from hell”. (I still can’t believe how aged 8-10 children knew which pictures were pornographic pictures. Oh, it’s Stephen’s sharp sense of humour. ) Don’t worry about Lucy. She is a beautiful young lady and knows how to choose the Mr. Right. Ha-ha. What’s your next subject? En…waiting… Be happy!

Violett, Poland
Hello! I am learning english alone, it is difficult really. I am not good with writing but I understand your romantic story. Are you romantic person?

Dunia, Irqaq, Baghdad
Hi Stephen, your column is very interesting and easy to understand,but let me tell you something here in Arabic culture we can't get married and choose our husband as easy as in the western culture and it depends upon the judgment of the family on the new husband who want to marry their daughter, do you like to choose your daughter's husband? Best Regards....

Margaret, Malaysia
Hi Stephen,This is my first time to read on your columns. There are indeed very lively and I just can't wait to finish them all in one day. Well, I must admit that I've read your columns during the working hours. Feeling guilty?! Of course, a little bit...It would be my pleasure to join your fans club now (if you have one), regardless of my age. Age is not the barrier I hope. Anyway, thanks for enlightening my days.Sorry for my broken English. But that's why I need to read your columns, right?Have a pleasant day ahead!

Anam Bokhari, Pakistan, Lahore,
hi ya stephen,, i read ur column. it was really very interesting, quite much nice sense of humour. the way u explained the whole story amazing fantastic. but i m sorry for ur wife....u take care and keep it up

Sun,Bangladesh,Dhaka
My english is not good thats why i was tring to find some article to read .after reading ur article ,i was looking any other article of urs.but i have nt any idea about this blog.this is my frist time to read your article.could u please give me some tips to write better and understandable english.It is very fantastic story.ur article is very easy to understand .any flim director would make a fabulous romantic movie from ur article.now i am very much enthusiastic to read another article.

Juhyung, Republic of Korea, Seoul
Oh!! it looks very exciting!!i'd like to go there!

Ghanieh, Ahwaz
Hi Stephan, I've just discovered your coloumns & I found them SUPERB. I'll try to keep in touch. See you, Ghanieh

Mario, Indonesia, Balikpapan
So simple and understandable story. Your action to ask to marry Yvonne is also simple.In my opinion, you are a conventional romantic and a high level discipline person. But you have wife and daughter who have good sense of humour.It is the first time I read your article. I'm trying to increase my English skill in speaking, writing and reading. Tks.

Teresa, Taiwan, Hualien
I laughed a lot when I read your column. I mean it is really funny. Is there anyone who has such a sense of humor like you? Your relationship with your wife gives me a very clear picture of true love. Thank you for the sharing. I really enjoy it.

Julia, Ukraine, Kiev
Hello! I must admit I am writing you in the first time. But I have read your stories with pleasure for 6 months! I like your style, humour, your expressions… Thanks. Reading your column, it seems to me, I have known you for many years, so simple and understandable your words are for me. I like English more and more with your sense of humor. I think, it will be good if you have opportunity to record your stories for us. What do you think about it? Julia

EMAD EBIED, EGYPT
I wrote to you two days ago but a didn't see my comment like other way? anyway how can we get the correct answer?
BBC Learning English:
Please see Stephen's comment (further below) for answers.

JOOEUN, KOREA
WOW, I really think that you are the luckiest man. Although you insists that your marriage was rather strong (I don't know it is right to say so but.. ^^) than romatic. I believe the time you had with your wife and the time you have with Lucy are romatic enough. I also want to marry with someone who can make me to believe I am 'the luckiest woman'

Haji Qoly, Afghanistan
I want to develop my english by communicating with you and to join you.

Everton, Brazil
I'd Like to thank you for the texts. I've learning so much.

Tra My, vietnam
I see you and your daughter have had a big loss since your wife died. I am very sorry. Everybody says the offsprings are happiness of the parents. Lucy has grown up strongly without mother. Would you tell us more about her?

Zinaida, Moscow, Russia
Thanks a million!I couldnt help crying, but such stories make us belive and realise how fragile our relations are!Be devoted to each other, appreciate each other and take care of ur belovedThanks

Jyzela , Monterrey,Mexico
I just discover this page (bbc.co.uk), and, of course, your column.Really like me, you write in a personal way, that make me feel that I have a conversation with you.

Raquel, Brasília-Brazil
Hi, Stephen Keeler!! I'd like to congrat you for your stories - so funny they are and with such sense of humor...I like come here and read your posts!! And also thanks for the useful words, expression and phrasal verbs. Have a wonderful day! Raquel.

Sammi, Vancouver, Canada
I don't understand that the relationship could keep last long in your generation, how come it broken easily nowadays? Cause of humans become selfish?

lxool, Spain
Wonderfull as always. He can writte what he wants. His columns are the best moment of the day for me. Thans, my dear friend.

Kirsti, France
Hi, Stephen. Would it be wrong to say that your marriage 'rings a bell' if I think there are similarities between your marriage and mine? I got married at five o'clock on an ordinary Tuesday. Our witnesses were two homeless men, though they must have had some address, because we had to give our witnesses' address some days before the marriage. In fact they were in smarter clothes than my husband and me, because one of them wore a suit; he had come to us asking me to sew a missing button. We didn't have any wedding rings at that occasion, but later on we bent horse shoe nails to rings, but those rings are lost long ago. The vice major saw the four of us, asked if there were supposed to be more people, then held his speech. It did touch me, he spoke about our mutual responsibility for each other and for our future children. - I learnt later on that one of the witnesses was researched by the police, so giving an address was risking to be caught.

Walid Nasr , Tripoli - Libya
Thanks very much for all things you do to help us to improve our language.I would be very happy if i can listen also to what you write....thanks

Prakash,India
This was the first time I was reading your post and it made an impact in me to read all your other posts. I will tell you I'm very much impressed with your way of writting. By the way, I suppose now I learnt (need to check) how to give a girl a good time...ha-ha...

Majid, Iran
Hi I do have a son and I know that the relation between a man and his daughter is something else. Well is it ok if I ask how do you feel about your daughter being ingaged with a man?

Truc Ly, Vietnam
It's really impression story of your life and also sad but so far you are luckiest of men because you has Lucy who your daughter. Do you think that you had happiness in the life time? There is only on happiness in life to love and be love. Don't worry, Lucy was not being serious. All best wishes to you and Lucy.

Wuisi, Spain
Delicious, however, I think we should let people know that cancer is no longer that fatal disease. Cancer doesn't mean your days are numbered...so, let look at the bright side of life. She died of cancer but there are thousands of people who might have been diagnosed cancer today and they should be courageous, brave and optimistic because they, no doubt, will get over it and, maybe, in a lot of years' time die because of a heart condition or just pass away because they have grown to be 100.

Saba, Sweden Jönköping
I read your article it was very intersting so far as I understand. It tells about romantic love with out life experience. I mean love should came after marriage. But in your article it is contrary to the rule of love. I may say it is an emotional love. In country where I came from If I am going to be married the man has to buy the wedding ring.

Niki, Iran
hello, stephen. I`m very sorry but you had a really and lovely life with your wife. I agree with you (you were each other`s best friend and is rather stronger than romance). I like your columns and try to read it every week and improve my english. thank you. with best wishes

Pema Wangda, BHUTAN
Hi, stephen. I'm a newcomer and i read your column. However i'm immensely sad that you have been missing your loving wife. bye.........

Grace, DaeJeon of South Korea
Hi, Stephen. I read your cloumn well. It's the first. My mom just called from work and told me to read and write to you. I don't think it is really writing to YOU, specifically since everybody else that comes onto this page can read it as well. Anyway, I'd like to see your daughter, Lucy. Is it her in the photo? I don't really think so. Could you post up a photo of her in your next cloumn? What university does she go to? I suppose you can mention the answers to my questions? There're only 2. Well, that's all. I hope my mother reconises me!

Adek, Poland
Hello Stephan :-) You say that in marriage friendship is more important than romance. I reckon you are absolutely right. My wife and I were in love that had changed into hostility and it was impossible to change it. We were people from different planets. But thanks to the marriage I've got three wonderful children, two daughters and a son. And now, after the death of my wife, who died from cancer, they are everything to me. As for Lucy I think that if she had written 'I've fallen in love with...', it would have meant she was being serious. Now everything is possible but don't think your daughter is very funny; having a good sense of humour doesn't mean to be funny. Until next time.

DOUKOURE Aliou
Thank you sir, i've enjoyed both studying and laughing. that was great. could other teachers do so???

Indhi, Indonesia
hi, stephen this is the first time i write to you. well, i always enjoy reading your column every fortnight and it's also nice to read all comments from the people who joined in this column too. when i was reading you column i thought that you life is so connected to educational life. you are a teacher, your late wife was a teacher too. what makes you finally decided to become a teacher? did you ever think to have another professions besides a teacher?well, i think to become a teacher is a noble job and the knowledge that we have will become more usefull if we can share it to other people.

P. DHANKHAR, INDIA
Hi stephen i am very impress your story. thanks.

Yella , India, Hyderabad
Hi, Stephen, it is very interesting story of strong love. I am really impressed with the way of telling your factual personal story.

Sujan
Hi Stephen, Its so sad you had lost your loving wife.. I learnt that she is Funny, kind, considerate, independent and energetic. Its because of her hardwork, she had became Head Teacher in West London school, her efforts should not go in Vain.. so it would be better if you can take over some actions like setting up some programs on her name... for example I can say setting up school for poor boys.

Lalatan, Hong Kong
Hi, Stephen,I was really blowing my nose while reading about your romance with your dear wife. However I find it difficult to understand how a marriage can get "stronger" and "can't be better" after you find out all the romantic feelings between you and your husband have gone after 20 years of marriage, and neither of the sides bother to do anything to "repair" it. What's the key to a successful marriage?

Harry Kim, South Korea, Seoul
Hi, stephen. I'm a new reader. I'm a bad writer in english so I'm shy to send this comments! but your column makes me write this. Your story is very impressed and humorous. I enjoy them and I will read them in the future. Thank you for your column! see take care!

Jose At. Panama
Wow... it was an interesting story.

Addeax, Germany
I had also met my future husband at the study, but unfortunately he married another girl later.

Silwal Kishor, Nepal
Hi Stephen, Are you kidding or did you face such critical condition to run you class in Sweden? Your writing style doesn’t portray that you were such a bad teacher in those days. As far as we are concerned with current way of teaching, we find it much better and interesting. My grand father used to tell me that you have to remember only good characters of people who passed away and I noticed same things in your writing. You mentioned all good characters of you wife and successful story of her. Even you clearly hide up and down in your 30 years life together. As you mentioned that you were never unhappily married and your relationships just got stronger and stronger after becoming parents of a nice child who resembles her mother in many ways. I like to salute your courage and cleverness to visualized only good parts of life and give the name “relationships” in stead of “romance”. Your claim that you are the luckiest of men doesn’t sound proper here because we can find so many couples here in Nepal who had celebrated golden jubilee of their marriage and even their children are in stage of celebrating golden jubilee of marriage. Here is your home work:1. We set off at midnight to avoid the motorway traffic. [began our journey]2. When my father first set up in business his was the only garage on the island. [started]3. The curator set down the delicate vase very carefully. [put down; placed]4. While walking through the forest she was set upon by a pack of wolves. [attacked]5. Next month I'm going to set aside a couple of days to tidy up my garden. [keep free]1. She was in love with her new boyfriend but she didn't want to take on his two young children. [accept responsibility for]2. When the pilot became ill the co-pilot had to take over. [act as the pilot]3. There were so many homeless children after the earthquake that we decided to take in as many as we could. [accept into our home]4. I have to take up my new job on 1 November. [start]5. There are too many adjectives in your composition. Can you take out at least half of them? [remove; delete]

Phuong Loan, Viet nam
hi stephen. i very like the way you tell us about your story. i think you also have a sense of humour. this is the first time i've come to this web. i very like english although it's not my first language.

Maria, Russia
Hi, Stephen!I just wanted to say that I am really sorry that your wife passed away.I think your relationship with your wife are the one that everyone is searching for. Thank you for sharing your intimate feelings and thoughts. And thank you for your column

Naheed, Pakistan
Hello Sir, How lovely it is to read about how Stephen and Yvonne met and got married. I really loved reading your simple yet interesting wedding ceremony. I can say one thing for sure that eating fish and chips in newspaper would have been wonderful more than a huge banquet. I'm also writing my answers to the exercises:(A)1)setoff,2)set up,3)set down,4)set upon,5)set aside.(B)1)take on,2)take over,3)take in,4)take up,5)take out. Naheed

Adriana from Brazil
Sorry for the "pression". I mean "pressure". Sometimes I write in English while thinking in Portuguese. :-)

Tina, Agrentina
Hi, How can I get the answer keys of the sentences listed above?
BBC Learning English:
Stephen submitted the answers in a comment. Please see below.

Neo, Taiwan
Hi Steven, it's my first time to read your column, but definitely the best one I've ever read (in English). I have to admit though, comparing to most of the so-called-conventional weddings that I have attended, I kind of like yours!

Cart, Japan
Hi, stephen. I'm impressed by your heartful story with your wife. I do think that you and your wife had a lovely romantic wedding ceremony.

Melissa Tang, China, Fujian
hello, stephen, after reading your significant romantic story, i think that is a true love, a meaningful romantic story, i also admire that you have such an unforgetable experience. i am learning english, try to improve my writing, i hope you can give ideas how to write formally, thanks a lot. all best wishes.

Yusaf, India, Idukki
It is very interesting to read this type of romantic story.

Anna from Siena, Italy
Hi Stephen, I have been reading your columns since you started this page but I didn't write before, because I was very ashamed of my English. But I was really struck by your story and I won my embarrassment. Also I got married in the 70s, also I had my children (two) in the 80s, also I have been working in the school for 30 years. For all these reasons, I think we have a lot of things to chat about. The first one is about your (and your late wife) experience as school teachers (and head teacher). I'm sure you have lots of interesting stories to tell us. I'm waiting for them!

Marianna, Slovakia
Hi, I had it on my mind but forgot to add (though, forgetfulness is much better now) - waiting for an audio too! Oh that´s not true, I didn´t put my name a while ago, when it does not apear I´ll write it again!
BBC Learning English:
We're sorry but we can't provide audio for Stephen's column at present but thanks for your suggestions.

Majka, Poland
Hi,I'm first time on this page and I must admit that is very moving history... Furthermore we can something to learn. With pleasure I'll be wait for instructions how I should to study English (sorry for mistakes, I'm self-educated)! My answers:part I: part II1) set off take on2) set up take over3) set aside take in4) set upon take up5) set down take outRegards

Raj from Sri Lanka
Actually I am good in English , I perhaps confuse in using words in right place even though I know the meaning..So, How Can I over come this problem ?

Bolor, Mongolia
Wow , Your story is romantic, isn't it?I think that you daughter was not serious, but it tells something, doesn't it? May be, she will meet her future husband at university.I really liked your exercise with phrasal verb, I would be very happy, if you give us some more exercises.

Maria, Greece
Hello Dear Mr. Stephen!Don't worry - I am sure that your daughter is kidding you! Anyway, I wish her the best for her new life as student. Your picture of Edinburgh Castle is really nice. It was also very sweet that you shared so personal moments with us (I mean how you met your late wife). To be honest, personally I fell uncomfortable to write about my life, even when I don't know the people are going to read my story or if there is no chance to meet them ever. So, taking it from that point of view, I concider you a very brave man, but I must confest that I never have thougth that you were such an unromantic person. Seeing pictures with Lucy -either from your vacations or at home -I had a completely different image of you!!!! Just kidding - I am sure that you do more significant things than buying flowers and so on... Bye bye Stephen and sorry about my grammar mistakes..

Nelida, Argentine
I am a newcomer and I enjoy reading your columm,tks.

Hennie, South Africa
Hi Stephen, I enjoy to read your column and also learn English.

Atta Khan, Pakistan
Dear Stephen,You couldn't term your marriage to be romantic. I appreciate your truthfulness and I wonder that how it could have been otherwise. It is really hard to be romantic towards one's wife. I have never seen a husband, who fancies his own wife.But this doesn't mean that the spouses don't enjoy the binding relation interse. You pointed out that you were each other's best friend and you rightly termed that relationship stronger than romance.

Stephen Keeler
The answers to the phrasal verbs exercises are:
'Set' 1(c) 2 (e) 3(d) 4(a) 5(b);
'Take' 1(e) 2(a) 3(d) 4(b) 5(c)

Shahid, Holland.
Dear Mr. StephenI just found out your web site here on BBC and I am so glad that I can learn much better English this way. I am Indian immigrant and at the moment I am living in Holland but my plans to move to England in 2009 so that I can have better contact with my culture and people from back home. Which I don’t have in Holland Thou I can speak English but my writing skills is awful, so I am looking for any help to learn better grammatical English. At the moment I have two jobs to attend seven days a week and I am also trying to learn to speak Spanish so that means I don’t have much time to study but from now on when ever I go online I will check out your web site in order to improve my English and I am sure this site will help me out. However this is the first time I am writing to you but definitely not the last time.Take care and till the next time sir

Carmen, Lome, Togo( Pilipina by birth)
Hello Stephen, I am Carmen (a widow just recently). I am here in Lome, Togo West Africa. I enjoyed your essay and felt almost we are the same situation in life. I was teacher also but now a retired one. As of your daughter do not stop reminding her to be serious in her studies. I have 4 children and 3 of them are in 3 continents. One married in America and the second girl in Ottawa Canada a very serious student studying Bio Chemistry in her second year College. The 1st girl in Philippines working in a Communication Center. All of them are serious in life for we always reminding them its for their future. Well, good luck and thanks for your humour in relating your experiences in teaching. Bye Carmen

Jasmine, Taiwan
Hi ya Stephen,Before writing this text, I am wondering and asking myself... Could I?(And I am the first!!)Well, actually I have been reading your blog for a long but I always pretend as a 'submarine'(is that the word to describe the person always join part of the activity without telling the participant?)It has been a pleasure to read your article, your life and your advanture. I do enjoy it! As reading your words, I love your sense of humour(prehaps like your wife and Lucy), your sensitive intelligence and your warm heart personality. Once,I read your article when I was in bad mood. Your word send me a smile on my sad and worrying face. (Oh, not only help the mood, but also my writing and Grammar!)On the other hand, about love, sometimes I think that I would rather not have it before because it is so sad when you lose it.(Most of people want to protect themselves to be hurt) But now I realised: because I had love, I have tears and smile in my eyes when I am readind through your words.By the way, I am so pleased to leave my text on your blog and will keep reading your story.Best wishesJasmine

Rathan,Tamilnadu, India. At present in KSA
Dear sir, I am very happy with your marriage style very simple without spending time and money you had got married. Since last three months i am reading your coloum which help me to improve my english knowledge. Thank you very much.

Shadi, Iran
Dear Stephen, I would like to congratulate you on having such a strong relationship with you wife, and being the best friend for each other.

Sunny.wei, China, Guangdong
Have studied your articles carefully and now submit my answer(proper phrasal verbs) as below:With "set" list:1. e2. c3. d4. a5. bWith "take on" list:1. e2. a3. b4. d5. Could you help to comment it? And feed back. Thanks a lot!

Freebird, Beijing, China
Dear STEPHEN, I agree with you on your pointview: Love is more than romance. I can feel yor love for your wife when reading the above article, as a matter of fact, the true emotion between you and your wife make me tearful. I got married several days ago. We hadn't a great day to mark our wedding just like you. We can't hope our parents who are living in the countryside to prepare the wedding ceremony for us in Beijing. In addition, My parents live far away from my parents-in-law, it is difficult to bring 4 parents together to hold a formal wedding ceremony. So we just invited my husband's relatives to a dinner to make clear that we are wife and husband after applying for our marriage certificates. Although i feel a little regret, after all, marriage is the most important thing in one's life, however we are happy because we love each other so much. Now we are working hard to seek for a good career. It is sweet to feel your loved person's support when you try to reach a goal.

Ania, Poland
Hi Steven, I'm interesting that the story if your wife is true? If is, You are very lucky man! I don't now why, but now people can't be together for 30 years. And you are a lucky man because of the Lucy-she is a clever young lady (and maybe she is serious with future husband). I wish you a lot of sunny days.

Jacob, New Zealand
Hi Stephen this is Jacob from brazil, hey where are the answers for the questions, l just want to make sure l got them right. thanks

Arthur Lau, Hong Kong, China
Dear Stephen, It is very touching. I am sure that your miss your wife. Thirty years of being together mean so much. The young people should appreciate the value and meaning of marriage. Lucy looks handsome. Yours truly, Arthur P.S. I just reading your column.

Sayed Asif, Kabul Afghanistan
Hello. Good Morning All. My name is Sayed Asif from Kabul Afghanistan.

Junghoon Joo, Seoul, South Korea
Dear StephenI was very impressed by reading your column, also I hope you have good time with your lovely daughter with sense of humour :).In terms of Oriental Philosopy, exactly transmigrationism, you and your late wife will meet again without any memory, but I'll pray that you and your wife meet again and love so much in next life. Junghoon Joo, South Korea

Hoangtrinh, Vietnam
I'd love to learn English, I like it, practice it everyday by reading some books or doing something included English words. But I can't listen it well. Are my words not enough or must I learn more words? Is it needed to read more to improve my words ? Might you show me a way to learn English better. Thanks you very much and giving to you love from all others.

Ana Paula, Brazil
Hi Stephen!How are you? It´s so nice coming to this page and see that there´s a new post to be read. Ah, it would be amazing if you could write once a week, wouldn´t it? So we wouldn´t miss you so much. Anyway... Oh, your 'love story' was beautiful indeed. Sometimes the less conventional relationships are the most interesting and successful. Lucky you :-). Well, of course Lucy was not being serious Stephen. She just has a good sense of humour like you do too. Relax, ok ;-)? See you in the next fortnight,and till there I´m already missing you, Ana Paula.

InHak, Korea
Hi! Stephen,Today's column is really emotional and remind me of my own marriage.I can't imagine my life without my husband at the moment but the day we have to say good bye will come someday.

Lúcia, from Portugal
I really enjoyed reading your Autumn memories. Thanks for your column and the exercises on phrasal verbs.

Nahid, Iran
Hi Stephan, Thank you in advance for reading my comment. I wish you could add some audio or video on your columns about your programs. It would be perfect if there were. Since we can correct our listening and pronunciation of words and never get board.

Adriana from Brazil
Moving your love story. I bet your relationship was more conventionally romantic than mine. Every couple has a love song. Our is a funk music although neither I nor he like funk but every meeting it was the one coincidentally playing in the background. I admire so much when the couple is sure about the decision made. It's not good when you want to run away before the ceremony and there's too much pression on you. Thanks Stephen for bringing phrasal verbs up. I love phrasal verbs in homeworks although they are over my head. We have to face them if we want to come along well and the only way is running through your homeworks and getting down to it. Phrasal verbs with set: 1- set off or set out(c); 2- set up(e); 3- set aside(b); 4- set upon(a); 5- set down(d)// Phrasal verbs with take: 1- take over(a); 2- take on(e); 3- take in(d); 4- take up(b); 5- take out(c).

Zaya, Mongolia
Hi Stephen, Thank you for sharing your lovely story with us. Sorry to hear that your wife was passed away some years ago. It looks like you have been a close friend and caring husband to your wife and a wonderfull father to your daughter. What else do we woman want from our husbands? Probably you acted less romantic in early days of your marriage but I am sure you always assured her enough with your words that she was filled with happiness and love all the time when she was alive. Is there anybetter romance than giving our loved ones best emotional secure? Wish you the best. P.S. I already did my homework on phrasal verbs.

Mohsin Ali from Swat, Pakistan
Hi StephenI'm so sorry you lost such a loving wife. I'm trying to learn English and came accross your colun. It's very usefull and enjoy your storey very much. Besides, I'm learning a lot from you. Thank you Stephen.