Loosing My Best Friend

In January I lost my best friend so it's only right I dedicate my first blog to her.

My friend. My confidant. My advisor. My guardian. My guide. My grandmother.

Mrs Stella Patricia Madigan nee O' Hare who was 87 when she passed away on 16 January 2009.

Nanna was an amazing woman. She lit up the room when she walked into it. And she made even a stranger feel like they were the most amazing person in the world. Everyone adored Nanna. My Nanna was radiant.

Nanna lived an eventful life.

Nanna was a Nanny for a Spanish banking company. She became life long friends with the family but sadly had to return to UK due to bad health.

She was a red cross nurse during the war. She met a young man called Jack Yeoman and they fell in love. Sadly when he left to go to war Nanna broke off the engagement until he returned saying that it wasn't right while he was away. She missed him dearly and one night dreamt of his plane being shot down. Next day she was informed that he had been killed in action. A few days later a letter arrived which was to be sent to her if Jack died. The letter was beautiful and is now on display in the Imperial War Museum and is also published in a book.

Nanna went on to marry Grandad Richard John Madigan. She had 4 children, one of whom is my Mum. She was the most wonderful grandparent a girl could wish for.

I miss my Nanna with all my heart. But I know she is happy with the angels looking down on us all. I feel her presence.

She was the person who I ran to when I needed to cry. She was the person who I rang for a laugh. She was the person who I turned to if I needed to be called beautiful. She was the person who I went to for a stern telling off.

I miss all the cuttings in the post of girls with curly hair. I miss the lottery tickets. I miss the phone calls. I miss the stories of your past.

We will meet again one day Nanna. You will sit with me and sing me songs. Tell me I am beautiful and am "your Louise".

Love you Nanna Stella. Always and forever. Diddily Po!