One of the luckiest things that can happen to you in life is, I think, to have a happy childhood.

Appalling things can happen to children. And even a happy childhood is filled with sadnesses.

I didn't have a happy childhood.

Sometimes, as a great treat, I was allowed to remove Nursie's snowy ruffled cap. Without it, she somehow retreated into private life and lost her official status. Then, with elaborate care, I would tie a large blue satin ribbon round her head - with enormous difficulty and holding my breath, because tying a bow is no easy matter for a four-year-old. After which I would step back and exclaim in ecstasy: "Oh Nursie, you ARE beautiful!"
At which she would smile and say in her gentle voice:
"Am I, love?

I think it's not inaccurate to say that I had a perfectly happy childhood during which I was very unhappy.

I had a happy childhood.