Leah - an extraordinary story about love and pain

"Leah is a story about a very special love...A love that existed between a grandfather and a granddaughter. Leah wasn't just an ordinary child, if there's any such thing as an ordinary child. They're all special. But the princess was a child apart and her leaving has left a terrible void in my life. Maybe in time I might get back to where I once was, but it's doubtful. It's not a story with a happy ending or a story of great hope, in fact quite the opposite. I hope that the words I have chosen will get it through to the reader, the love that I felt for an angel. Our angel." Barney Scally

Leah contacted leukemia at 5 years of age, and died at 7 years of age. Barney and his granddaughter had the most unique relationship; she loved him dearly and he adored her. His love for her knew no bounds. To say that he is devastated since her death would be a grave understatement. The book is a 60-page story about her life from day one, up to day she died. It includes some poems and photographs. At this point in time Barney has sold over 1,000 copies with the help of local shops. It is a brilliant read, very funny, and also very sad.

Barney Scally worked in ESB Rhode Generation Station for 35 years. Barney's story about his granddaughter Leah will touch the hearts of many. His reasons for writing the book are two-fold: firstly, all the proceeds will go to the Children's wing in Crumlin Hospital for seriously ill children. Secondly, he hopes it will help other unfortunate families who may have to travel the same road as the Scallys. Barney also hopes it will help keep the memory of Leah alive, particularly to those younger members of the family who in time may like to know more about her life. In the book Barney says he vented his anger about God a lot. "Well now I want to thank him, my life is so much the richer for having known Leah. Yes I am broken-hearted, yes I'm lonely and yes I'm sad, but I've had so much in the seven and a half years with Leah that others wouldn't get in several lifetimes."

This beautifully written and presented book is for sale at a price of €5 and as stated above all proceeds go the Crumlin Children's Hospital. You can contact Barney on 087 6204625. Printed by Brosna Press, Ferbane Tel. 090 6454327.