Let’s make this a Christmas to Remember
Christmas is a special time in Ireland. One where families make a special effort to come together and enjoy each other’s company. But for those who are feeling the loss of a loved one, it can also be a sad and lonely time. When a loved one dies, the times you shared come flooding back.
We invite you to share your precious memories in our beautiful Book of Remembrance and support a worthy cause this Christmas.
- Make a donation online at neverforgotten.ie or call us at 01 679 3188.
- Leave a message for your loved one.
- Know that you have helped someone in their most crucial time of need.
This year Lynda and Pat Foley are remembering their darling son Liam in this special way.
LYNDA AND PAT LOST THEIR SON LIAM AT SIX YEARS OLD. LIAM WAS A CHEERY RED-HEAD, THE YOUNGEST IN FAMILY WITH TWO ADORING SIBLINGS DAVID AND SADHBH. HIS PARENTS KINDLY SHARE WITH YOU PRECIOUS MEMORIES OF LIAM AND THEIR LAST CHRISTMAS TOGETHER. |
| “Liam had been ill in the womb. We had been advised that all may not be well after birth, but to everyone’s amazement, he was absolutely perfect. Looking back now, this was our miracle. But sadly it was to be the only one. Liam couldn’t speak or hear, he couldn’t walk and he was fed with the use of a pump. But to us, he was perfect. He had a real smile and a most beautiful laugh. He was great company. It is what we all miss most about him. |
| We had two and a half good years with Liam but unfortunately everything changed for the worse towards the end of 2012. Liam’s body was beginning to fail him. We got home and set about celebrating Christmas. Sadly it was to be our last one together. In early December that year we travelled to Moyasta in County Clare. We had heard during the week that Santa was going to pay a visit to the train station in this beautiful village. As Liam had a real love of trains, we felt what better way to spend what many of Liam’s doctors felt would be his last Christmas with us. |
| The five of us made the one-hour journey to the west Clare village. Each one of us was as excited as the next. When we arrived we were greeted by the Whelan family. To them we were just an ordinary family who came to meet their very special visitor. We didn’t want it any other way. Liam always brought the best out in everybody…that day was no different. He just seemed to draw everybody around him. We stepped back and watched as David, Sadhbh and Liam lead us around this magical corner of County Clare. |
| We all met Santa and enjoyed our time with him. But what was to follow surpassed even that excitement. We opened a door at the end of the room leading us into an open yard. There to greet us was a wonderful old steam train. It was waiting to take us on a beautiful journey of the countryside. It really was a magical day. Liam was the boss. Liam would boss you without you ever feeling you were being bossed. He had that way about him. He fed off the excitement surrounding him.That day it felt like everyone knew our story but deep down we knew nobody did. It was to be our last Christmas together, the five of us. |
| Liam always had the job of turning on the Christmas lights. He enjoyed watching the tree being decorated and couldn’t wait to be wheeled in and out with his decorations. He even liked to be decorated himself! But the lights were always his favourite. |
| Sadly, our journey with our truly amazing and beautiful son came to an end one year later on 3rd December 2013. Liam’s final weeks were spent at home in his own room, surrounded by us and his many friends. We could care for Liam in a way that we never thought possible with the help of our outreach nurse, Hilary. Hilary shared Liam’s final hours. Liam had a beautiful death and we owe that to her and The Irish Hospice Foundation. They help both adults and children like Liam die at home in peace and comfort and support their families at a most difficult time.” |
Make this a Christmas to remember with a tribute to your loved one and your support will help people live well until the end.
