95/365 - Ann Byrne, Crumlin, Dublin.
Ann’s story could have been one of sadness, anger, total depression. She had every right to take to the bed and wallow in her misfortune when her husband received his diagnosis of terminal cancer, but she couldn’t, she had a newborn baby to care for.
Javier navigated the hospital wards and into surgery on his own. It was the height of lockdown, people were social distancing, hospitals were only allowing the patients in. The world was terrifying and isolating.
When their little girl was just 15 months old, Javier passed away surrounded by his friends and family in Spain.
Ann has gone on to do wonderful things with her grief (as mad as that may sound). She noticed a real lack of support groups in her community for grieving people, so she has since started one in Rialto. It’s a space where people can come and support each other, sharing stories and experiences. Ann also practices Reiki healing and finds enormous purpose and strength in helping others through their darkest days.
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