Bone marrow transplant – Page 3 – My thoughts on a page.

Did you have a bad day?

May 13, 2014

Today was one of those days, when I and “Fed up” walked along together. I didn’t want her company but she wouldn’t leave. She came unannounced last night, and she woke me many times with her moaning. When morning came she was still sitting there, waiting beside me. I was tired and weary, Her … More Did you have a bad day?

Sometimes there are no words.

May 2, 2014

There are times in all our lives, as families, when we gather together and celebrate an occasion. My own family is relatively large, so a family gathering is a loud, noisy affair. The house is filled with the clan, all dressed up and there is food and drink aplenty. These are wonderful family occasions, and … More Sometimes there are no words.

A conversation in silence.

April 23, 2014

“Hi, how are things?”, is how we greet each other, in an upbeat voice, as we deliver the mandatory kiss on the cheek. “Any news?“, we continue. “No none at all, all good thanks”. And then we pause….. And in that moment, as silence takes hold, we communicate on a whole different level. Looking at you … More A conversation in silence.

The first Summer without you.

April 14, 2014

The weather and time have changed and as if overnight we now live in a beautiful country of sunshine and long evenings. As I step outside the air even seems to smell of Spring and the promise of Summer. Could it be that we could possibly have another Summer of good weather? Two in a … More The first Summer without you.

photo credit: Sergiu Bacioiu via photopin cc

The ripple effect.

April 9, 2014

When our young friend Dan died in November it sent a seismic shock through our village. It was the second death of a child within three weeks. Understandably it affected many, with hundreds coming to see him off. I have met some mothers who told me that as they passed the church that day, knowing … More The ripple effect.

photo credit: [ Graham Lee ] via photopin cc

Gone.

April 2, 2014

“Oh my God, he’s gone! He died. He actually died!” These are the thoughts that arrest me, out of the blue regularly. I might be driving, or out buying groceries, perhaps out having fun with friends, or teaching at the pool, when without any warning I remember. Dan died. When this moment hits it quite … More Gone.

I brought you a rose. How you would have hated that.

March 13, 2014

Last Tuesday, I felt a real drive to go and see Dan. To stand with him and to remember. I put a single rose in my car, thinking to myself how ridiculous I was. A rose is definitely not a gift I would ever have brought him, nor would it have been appreciated in any … More I brought you a rose. How you would have hated that.

Four minus one.

February 20, 2014

Grief is a strange emotion. For a time it is all consuming. Eating into my every moment. And then it begins to recede. Burrowing deep inside me, taking up residence next to my heart. It becomes a lurker, on occasions out of nowhere it rises to the surface. At other times Grief hits me with a … More Four minus one.

Celebrating your memory.

January 27, 2014

Last night you were celebrated in the local GAA club. You would have really enjoyed it. €6000 was donated in your name to the Cork Leukemia Association. That makes over €25,000 raised in your name so far. All your football team were there. All except one. Those boys are growing up before our eyes, even … More Celebrating your memory.

Walking through grief.

January 22, 2014

Once or twice a week a couple of friends and I go for a walk. It is quite a long trek of about 8km, off the beaten track. This walk has become a huge part of our friendship. Prior to December 2012 we walked this walk with no real cares. We chatted about family, relationships, … More Walking through grief.