Well, Dear Peg,

IJUST thought I’d drop you a line to see how you are and thank you for a wonderful gift you gave me as a young child. It is the simplest of gifts that had a profound effect on my life and has held me in good stead over the years.

I always loved coming to visit you and Mikey and I have fond memories of the constant tea on the stove that never ran out and punctuated every act of every day; the door that was always open and your great welcoming smile.

You always seemed to have an abundance to hand out and I was amazed at how you could possibly do it.

My father has a great saying: ‘May the Lord increase your store and put it in your heart to send us out more.’ I’m not sure if he learned that from you and Mikey, but your generosity definitely rubbed off on him in the time he also spent growing up with you as a child.

Faith was a huge part of life and we would always have the Rosary of course followed by a cup of tea. I remember the puppy you and Mikey got me because I was so upset when my cat died. I was worried that Mum and Dad would not let me keep her but Mikey figured that the pedigree puppies he made up himself should do the trick and I went home on the train with the puppy on my lap. Zoe and I travelled everywhere together and she became a great friend and companion.

The greatest gift you ever bestowed on me was the understanding I gained from observing you and your sisterin-law. You were such strong women who raised families in hard times and yet you had such strength, faith and serenity of character that withstood you through good and bad times.

The simplicity of life at that time allowed for stillness of mind and the faith that you had was a wonderful gift bestowed on me at such a young age.

The simplicity of the act of bartering and giving that warmed hearts and created friendship has always inspired me and I thank you for such a profound gift that has helped me on my journey in raising my own children. I have never felt without. Lots of love, Fiona Fiona Gleeson, Bray, Co Wicklow