Angela Hegarty

To get to work, Gene drives from Bondi to Belmore, a drive that takes about 40minutes. She's a teacher at St Joseph's Primary School in Belmore. I occasionally catch a lift with her up to Bondi Junction station and it was on one of those short drives, about 4 years back, that I first met Angela. Angela works with Gene and they take turns sharing the driving to work. Over the last 4 years they've become close friends and it was through Gene that I became good mates with Angela and through Angela that I met her husband Enda. 

We meet many people in our lives, but only occasionally do we meet someone that changes us for the better. Ange has done that for me. If it was possible for me to introduce Ange to everyone I know, I would. To describe her physically is easy. She's a natural beauty, unaffected in every way. She's taller than she looks; slim and athletic and more beautiful than you the models you see in glossy magazines. That's the obvious stuff. The not so obvious is the way she lights up everyone she comes into contact with. She's an extraordinary teacher; as sharp as a tac in conversation; faces challenges head on, has a wicked sense of humour and is always gentle with people's feelings. Like her man, her joy and optimism are contagious; her generosity something to experience and her loyalty to her friends is unmatched. Yesterday she married Enda and from the moment she walked into the church, she was the star; not because she was the bride, but because everyone there feels exactly the same about Angela. We all love her. She makes you feel good to be alive. And you miss her when she's not around.

I've known Ange for close to four years now and meeting many of her mates and all of her family this past week, has helped me appreciate her even more. I can't think of a better mate for her than Enda. He really is her perfect match. And Enda knows how richly fortune has favoured him by bringing Angela into his life. The wedding was perfect. The marriage will be even better. It was worth the trip and all the drama getting here to be part of their celebration.