I’m going to get a bit squishy on this entry; I can’t help myself, I have to.

Inner warmth is a marvelous wonder. Some people have glimpses of it. Some people are repelled by it (I'm not sure why, but I’ve seen it happen). And certain superstars beam it from their eyes, limbs and voice. Irene is one of these people.

I couldn't hold back. I needed to squidge Irene non-stop.

I haven’t seen Irene in over 25 years but that doesn’t matter. The memory of her incredible and reverberating warmth still stands strong.

Irene and her husband Bryan were my granny’s housekeepers during the 70’s and 80’s. They had cooked, cleaned, driven, gardened and run the family home ‘Saraguay’, and more importantly they added a gift of nurture and integrity to our eccentric family when we needed it. As a young child, I spent nearly all of my weekends in Irene’s company. She smelled like clean linen and flowers. Her hair and clothes were always immaculate. A smile shone from her round, soft face like a beacon and her arms welcomed all of us into her huge and jongling embrace. The sing-song tone of her voice (and trademark expression), ‘bless, ohh bless’ could settle any wobbler. She is a large woman, both in size and love and the perfect guardian for children, adults, pets...anything really.

When the chance came to visit her in the Cotswolds--I jumped on it. Seeing her again made my heart burst. She hadn't changed a bit. Sophia and Alfie played with her, as I must have. But this time I was the adult watching on. I could barely take my eyes off her or stop myself from going in again and again for a soft embrace. When we left, I cried like a baby.

Bryan told me Irene has terminal cancer. I’m pretty gutted to know that she won’t live forever but fortunate to be blessed by her influence. What a lady to have in my life!