Recently there was a tragedy in Ireland. By the sea in Buncrana, County Donegal.
Many of my Irish family members and friends had shared the articles and links on Facebook so it was in my newsfeed for a few days.
Tragedies occur every day. We all know this. But this was even more heart-wrenching than the usual headlines.
A family of six savoring precious moments together while watching the sunset from a pier. Enjoying life and the presence of each other.
Minutes later the car plunged into the water. Possibly skidding on algae while the driver was attempting to turn the car.
The only survivor was a four month old infant. Held out by her father, who had broken the window and was on the ledge of the door, to a fellow who had jumped in the water to help.
The last thing the Dad said was, “Save my baby.”
As he went back into the car with the rest of his family.
Everyone in the car perished.
That’s not the worst of it.
The mother of the four month old child was away at a friend’s “hen party” in England. A hen party is a gathering for a woman about to be married. The first time she had been away from her family for more than a few hours. They had urged her to attend for a much needed break.
She called them to say her flight from Liverpool was delayed. Only five minutes before the tragedy occurred. While they were still on the pier.
It just gives me the shivers.
Her little boy told her she was the best Mammy in the world and was going to give her a squeezy hug when he saw her.
Here is the worst of it.
This thirty-five year old woman lost her two young sons, partner, mother and only sister that evening.
There are just no words. Who could imagine a loss like this?
The man who rescued the baby is hailed as a hero. He is certainly that but I am sure he will be haunted for years to come.
Hard to find any good news in this story.
But there are some things she will always know.
She will always know that she chose the right man as her partner. One who put his children and family before himself.
She will always know that the courage of an absolute stranger saved her one remaining child. Maybe her only reason for getting up in the morning after such a devastating loss.
She will always know that they were enjoying each other as a family-savoring life’s beautiful moments.
She will always know that her child’s last words to her were that she was the best Mammy in the world and that he was going to give her a squeezy hug.
These thoughts will probably also keep her up at night but maybe, just maybe, give her some measure of comfort in the future.
I can’t imagine her heartbreak, loneliness and despair.
Savor the moments.
Let our last words be loving ones.
Reach out to those who mourn. For days and years. Grief doesn’t disappear with the returned casserole dishes.
Just Being Mary 