Beautiful writing as ever Siobhan. It strikes me how oblivious we all were to the grief you were dealing with while we celebrated Christmases together in the late 80’s: in school choir or Cantores, performing in the Christmas review and of course in the pub. Blue mascara and pale pink lipstick (a look you definitely kept going!) hides so much. And yes, I spend every Christmas Day trying to recreate the Christmas traditions created for us by my Mum x
Oh Sue such a lovely thing to say. And yes I think you’re right, none of you realised quite how bad it was. I didn’t mention here Dads outbursts of anger that were also v common. I guess I didn’t talk about it as how can you aged 15+? School kept me going, took my mind off the whole situation. You guys kept me laughing!
And yes I’m sure you do the same reenactment of traditions in memory of your mum…Christmas is such a bittersweet time. Take care Sue xx
What a beautiful and moving tribute to your wonderful family, Siobhan. It has always been inspirational to see how you somehow survived this most tragic of situations, when the rest of us, relatively distanced, were reeling. Thank you so much for your honesty in sharing this with us. I can already think of a few friends I know this will help. I will be thinking of you all this Christmas, sending love and hugs. xxx
Thank you so much Sharnalee, it’s so lovely to receive comments from Kate’s friends like yourself who knew her most of her short life ❤️ Please do share this with anyone you think would like it, I write to not just process my own life but to help others find hope for their own. Xx
What a tribute to your missing family members, Siobhan. The ghosts at the table. Such a vivid description of Christmases pre-and post- that tragic accident. Sorry you lost your sister at such a young age. Thanks for sharing this. Profound, moving and beautifully written.
Thank you Wendy. It was a tough one to write, yet also very cathartic of course. I know there’s so many people out there who have similar stories of grief and who sense ghosts at their Christmas table. Not an easy time. But over the years we’ve come to celebrate them which i feel is so important….
Thank you Steph for your kind words. Yes I am an enigma to some - super happy and smiley yet with a history of sadness. The smiles and laughs are genuine, I promise! I love life and people, but I do carry a subterranean sadness….hope you have a great Christmas too x
Thank you for sharing and sending love xx
Thank you Catherine. Xx
Beautiful writing as ever Siobhan. It strikes me how oblivious we all were to the grief you were dealing with while we celebrated Christmases together in the late 80’s: in school choir or Cantores, performing in the Christmas review and of course in the pub. Blue mascara and pale pink lipstick (a look you definitely kept going!) hides so much. And yes, I spend every Christmas Day trying to recreate the Christmas traditions created for us by my Mum x
Oh Sue such a lovely thing to say. And yes I think you’re right, none of you realised quite how bad it was. I didn’t mention here Dads outbursts of anger that were also v common. I guess I didn’t talk about it as how can you aged 15+? School kept me going, took my mind off the whole situation. You guys kept me laughing!
And yes I’m sure you do the same reenactment of traditions in memory of your mum…Christmas is such a bittersweet time. Take care Sue xx
What a beautiful and moving tribute to your wonderful family, Siobhan. It has always been inspirational to see how you somehow survived this most tragic of situations, when the rest of us, relatively distanced, were reeling. Thank you so much for your honesty in sharing this with us. I can already think of a few friends I know this will help. I will be thinking of you all this Christmas, sending love and hugs. xxx
Thank you so much Sharnalee, it’s so lovely to receive comments from Kate’s friends like yourself who knew her most of her short life ❤️ Please do share this with anyone you think would like it, I write to not just process my own life but to help others find hope for their own. Xx
What a tribute to your missing family members, Siobhan. The ghosts at the table. Such a vivid description of Christmases pre-and post- that tragic accident. Sorry you lost your sister at such a young age. Thanks for sharing this. Profound, moving and beautifully written.
Thank you Wendy. It was a tough one to write, yet also very cathartic of course. I know there’s so many people out there who have similar stories of grief and who sense ghosts at their Christmas table. Not an easy time. But over the years we’ve come to celebrate them which i feel is so important….
Huge hugs to you. What a heavy load for you to carry, and yet you are always smiling. Hope your Christmas this year is full of joy and peace x
Thank you Steph for your kind words. Yes I am an enigma to some - super happy and smiley yet with a history of sadness. The smiles and laughs are genuine, I promise! I love life and people, but I do carry a subterranean sadness….hope you have a great Christmas too x
A beautiful tribute Siobhan, sending you Christmas blessings and cheers!