Angel’s message of hope

Sir — I loved Barry Egan’s article (This Man’s Life, Sunday Independent, April 1). My parents’ 91-year-old neighbour, Paddy Walshe, cut the article out of his paper and posted it in through their letterbox.

Out came my mother Shelly’s trusted Nokia and a text message later, I was made aware of Barry’s piece telling of meeting me again 35 years or so after we had worked together. What a tonic. You see, the day before I met Barry again, my beautiful wife Jean was diagnosed with breast cancer. Before my shift on Wednesday, I lit four candles in Monkstown Church and asked for guidance.

That afternoon, Barry’s little daughter Emilia bounded into Salt Cafe, with doll and buggy in tow and full of energy, having also lit candles in same church.

Little did Emilia know but what she brought with her was a message for my family that everything will be all right.

A chance meeting after so many years? I don’t think so.

I think his angel Emilia is wise beyond her tender years.

Jean read This Man’s Life and what followed throughout the day were many messages from people who worked in Blake’s Restaurant back in the day.

Together with the love and support of the great people of Salt Cafe, Monkstown; West Wood Leopardstown, where Jean works; and the members of Dun Laoghaire Golf Club where my daughter Lucy and son Frankie ‘drive for show and putt for dough’, Jean has found herself in a more positive frame of mind.

Yes, Barry and Emilia’s visit to Salt Cafe started the ball rolling. Thanks to them both, Frank Murray,

Dublin