Oh Una, this is heartbreakingly beautiful. My dad was an Irish ‘Martin’ too, and also died so quickly and unexpectedly although in his seventies. I feel every word of this. The language, the setting, the nature of grief and how it bubbles up still. How extraordinary to have your grief unfold in parallel to 9/11. There is a whole book in that. Much love ❤️
The anniversary of my Dad’s death is tomorrow and I was 6 years old. I still can’t believe that’s 40 years ago and yet it still feels like no time has passed in some senses. Sending you so much love ❤️
This is so beautifully written and I found great comfort in it, my own Dad having died just two months ago. I’m London Irish, but now live in Aotearoa NZ.
I think fondly of my childhood summer holidays in Galway where the news of a death spread like wildfire. The lean in with a hushed voice: “Come here to me now and I’ll tell you who died.” ☘️
Thanks so much Catherine! So lovely to to hear from you - I'm sure you remember that night well too. I'm home most of October - would be great to see you x
To say this writing is beautiful is an understatement. Your heartfelt words paint such a rich picture of tradition and feelings. that totally resonates with me. Your dear Dad sounds like a lovely kind human being. I know the shock of unexpected death , I lost my Dad suddenly when I was 19 ( long time ago now)
It’s serendipitous that I found your writing today, on the anniversary of my mums death four years ago …
I really enjoyed this, your description of an Irish wake is so good, I’ve never been to a proper one but have Irish family so have been told many stories.
Thank you for sharing your own experience, you were incredibly young. Even as a fully fledged adult losing my parents has been so hard. The strong comments often make me want to scream, we’re not strong, or if we are it’s because we have no choice.
Oh Una, this is heartbreakingly beautiful. My dad was an Irish ‘Martin’ too, and also died so quickly and unexpectedly although in his seventies. I feel every word of this. The language, the setting, the nature of grief and how it bubbles up still. How extraordinary to have your grief unfold in parallel to 9/11. There is a whole book in that. Much love ❤️
This is beautifully, exquisitely written Una. Such a powerful insights into your grief experience. So utterly relatable.
Thank you Vicki. Lovely to hear that it resonates.
Such a wonderful piece. Thank you for sharing.
The anniversary of my Dad’s death is tomorrow and I was 6 years old. I still can’t believe that’s 40 years ago and yet it still feels like no time has passed in some senses. Sending you so much love ❤️
This is so beautifully written and I found great comfort in it, my own Dad having died just two months ago. I’m London Irish, but now live in Aotearoa NZ.
I think fondly of my childhood summer holidays in Galway where the news of a death spread like wildfire. The lean in with a hushed voice: “Come here to me now and I’ll tell you who died.” ☘️
Una, I remember so well the news of 9-11 breaking on the radio when I was going to your daddy’s wake.
You have written this so well xx
I remember your story well too. Great to hear from you - I think our paths might cross next year? 🤞
Hello Una- I’m only seeing this now. I never got chatting to you after that at the wedding. It was a great day. There was a lot of gin taken.
Beautiful x
Thank you x
So well written. Ask for guidance and it will come. Highly recommend w14.
Oooo hood to know! I’m going to take my time and see where I land - I think!
Very moving piece of writing, and so recognizable in its depictions, thank you Una
Thank YOU for reading. We give good death in Ireland…maybe! x
Feel a lot from this! Captured the emotions of grief in Ireland perfectly x
Thanks Emily! For all it is, and for all it isn't, I wouldn't change our part of the world x
He would be so incredibly proud of you Una. Uncle Martin was such a great man. Take good care of yourself xx
Thanks so much Catherine! So lovely to to hear from you - I'm sure you remember that night well too. I'm home most of October - would be great to see you x
Would love that Una xx
❤
And back at you x
So lovely to heart that it has brought some comfort. Is there a more Irish phrase than “come here to me…” ?😂
To say this writing is beautiful is an understatement. Your heartfelt words paint such a rich picture of tradition and feelings. that totally resonates with me. Your dear Dad sounds like a lovely kind human being. I know the shock of unexpected death , I lost my Dad suddenly when I was 19 ( long time ago now)
It’s serendipitous that I found your writing today, on the anniversary of my mums death four years ago …
I wish you all the best
I really enjoyed this, your description of an Irish wake is so good, I’ve never been to a proper one but have Irish family so have been told many stories.
Thank you for sharing your own experience, you were incredibly young. Even as a fully fledged adult losing my parents has been so hard. The strong comments often make me want to scream, we’re not strong, or if we are it’s because we have no choice.
Beautifully and evocatively written Una, thank you for sharing 💕