False 1999 Child Of Peace Among the quarrelling of girls and boys, You were born and gone- such a short life to lead. I was told I was wanted, little did I think of it Until I bounded up the stairs to see a face full of sorrow. Dad sitting there with a single tear rolling down his cheek, And my oldest sister, Ruth saying “ I’ll arrange everything” I was told you were born and gone Like a fading rose- Beautiful in bloom. You were peaceful in heaven We called you Salome ( Peace) You brought us both grief and joy- Within a few minutes of joy there was pain- A feeling of extreme grief. Your little white coffi n was there, Needing only Dad to carry it. So Little yet so big. Now, fi ve years later the extreme grief has passed. You remain a part of me and the rest of the family, forever For you are a child of peace. Sarah Coughlan ( 1995 age 14) isands newsletter 76

False To Those Who Mourn Their Children Do not weep because you think you have forever lost the fairest fl ower in the garden. The truth is that the fl ower has been transplanted into a far more beauteous garden where it shed a greater perfume and is lovelier and more beautiful that ever it could be on earth. It has been spared many cruelties and many blights. Your child will never know much that has darkened you own life. Rejoice that freedom has come to a young soul who will never be distressed by many miseries that affl ict your world. Do not grieve for the child; grieve if you will for your own loss, for you will miss the little radiant fi face, the childish prattle, the diminutive fifi gure. But, though your physical eyes cannot see, and your physical ears cannot hear, your child is ever present. If you stop shedding tears that create a mist in front of your eyes, you will see the truth that in God’s great Kingdom, that there is no death and all continue to live in far better conditions in a world which is richer and sweeter that anything you have ever dreamed. Know that, an all- loving God has given angels to protect her and him and the child will, in the fullness of time, be reunited with you. Author unknown. This piece was submitted by Ken and Susan McAuley in memory of their daughter, Grace. Colm- in memory of you Colm, you lifted my heart, the moment they put you in my arms you woke me with your song, That brought a melody to my life. When I named you Colm, Little did I know How true your name would mean - ” Dove of the Church” Then you left me silently The hour had come for the ‘ White Dove’ to fl y Back to Heaven, to God Above. The time came to leave you Sad as I was, I had no fear For Nana greeted you at the gates of Heaven With a loving smile and hug. Now I know I have got to let go of the life I planned with you, Colm And live a life that is waiting for me. But one day, we will meet again, Son And be a family one more. Orla Bergin isands newsletter 77