Writer, Filmmaker, Mother, Grandmother
Yesterday, the 26th of May, marked six months since my beautiful daddy died on the 26th of November 2024. It also marks six painfully long months since I caressed my fingers around his, his voice no longer even a whisper, his light fading. In the early hours of that morning, I kissed him goodbye, praying… Continue reading Yesterday, today and tomorrow.
When we were making the funeral arrangements for my dad's requiem mass and committal, Friday the 13th emerged as the first available date, but I didn't baulk at it. A date with such negative connotations was fitting. How could anything be positive on the day I would publicly say goodbye to my father? As it… Continue reading By God, the old man could handle a spade. Just like his old man.
It's been six months since we lost our mum. To the day. The 19th is a date that will sting for evermore. But although I say six months, it was longer in many ways. Jackie Kay, in Darling, writes: When smaller than her self,she seemed already to be leaving This line doesn't reference dementia, but… Continue reading “When smaller than her self”
I'm now four months into my PhD at Stirling (you can read more about my research here). It has passed quickly and it has been a challenging and rewarding time. For the first couple of months of my PhD, my mum was seriously ill in hospital. I tried to visit her every weekday - expect… Continue reading PhD life.
I'm at Mullindress, my house on Rathlin Island. Foils of wind are picking up pace, their song setting sail to the clouds, galloping tresses chasing something in the distance, an epiphany or a fallen star, its intensity close and all the same far beyond my reach. My daughter is with me, her as yet unborn son sharing the view… Continue reading Stepping off the edge of life with the gift of life.
It was my birthday yesterday. A time, I suppose, for reflection, but given I do plenty of thinking most days it's not really a day for revelation. The days of the past are with me all the time, in colours, hanging around my shoulders like a gregarious puff of smoke. Some bright, some dark and… Continue reading What do you see in the sea? Birthdays and babies…
The snowdrops have blossomed in the garden. Their little heads are bowed, almost provocatively, so they are either shy or coy, regardless, they are breathtakingly eye catching so objective achieved. They don't need to straighten their neck and shoulders to catch us in the eye as they compel us to drop to our knees, the… Continue reading snowdrop valentine
As 2014 draws to a close I look beyond the horizon and see 2015 waiting on the shoulder of tomorrow, its imminent arrival promising new beginnings and new life. I'll be meeting my grandson in a matter of days, or hours; moments that are hurdling the precipice of soon. He's doing well, thriving healthily in his mother's womb,… Continue reading The brilliant moon is rising
Margot McCuaig 