MOTHERS' PRIDE...

So amidst all the political fever that so consumes us, I've been relaxing by reading this book by Jean MacColl, "Sun on the Water" about the life and death of her daughter, Kirsty. It's a funny and poignant tale in turns - but what really shines through is the love she and her daughter felt for each other. Coping with the sudden death of your child must be any parents  worst fear - we're programmed to expect our kids to survive us and therefore when Jean received that awful call on December 18th 2000 telling her of Kirsty's terrible death, her life changed forever. She has been campaigning for "Justice for Kirsty" since that day as she  believes with good reason that those who killed her daughter in the speed-boat accident have escaped justice. A big chunk of the book details this side of things but there are also the lovely reminisces that Jean reveals - stuff that makes your heart melt. The book starts with a quote from "Days" by Ray Davies which seems sadly apposite...

"And though you're gone, you're with me every day believe me"

and concludes with a quote from "Soho Square"..

"One day you'll be waiting there,

no empty bench in Soho Square

No I don't know the reason why, I'll love you till the day I die

But one day you'll be waiting there, Come summertime in Soho Square "

This book is ultimately uplifting even though the topic is sad because it shows that love endures and I recommend it to you all.

Comments

[Colm]

That Soho Square quote is heartbreaking. I am so fortunate that I have not yet been touched by such grief in my life, but the pain of acknowledging the death of a close loved one , particularly against a natural life expetency must be agonising.

[Frank O'Dwyer]

There was a TV programme about this recently too, David, featuring contributions from Kirsty's friends and family. I don't know if you saw it.

I can't go anywhere near Soho Square without being reminded of that song - the whole album it comes from is great and I usually play it on my ipod if I have it with me. The last time I was there, I think it was last year sometime. I looked out for the bench.

[Colm]

I have walked past that bench quite a few times, and it actually reminds me of David nowadays , with his passionate commitment to Kirsty's memory

[David Vance]

Colm,

Yip - the quote gets me in the throat.

Frank,

Saw it, It's no wonder Kirsty was such a great talent, Jean is a marvellous and inspirational lady. The bench in Kirsty's memory in Soho Square is a lovely way to remember her and I am proud to have been one of those fans who put it there. Next year Kirsty would have turned 50 and there is to be 3 day Kirstyfest in this area, I might pop along. The album from which the song comes is brilliant, grown-up pop.