Grace O'Connor

And I was trying to say that I said, I'm not going to, I couldn't get the words out.

And Chris stood up and he said, I'll tell him mom.

And I was like, I knew I couldn't let that happen.

So I rang.

it's crazy to even think I've done this I rang the Children's Grief Centre in Limerick because I work in the support services I know I'm so blessed to know all these services I just said I said I was crazy got the news around two hours ago my husband died I have a son that's eight I don't know how to tell him he's coming home I need to tell him and she just said be very honest very clear

And no secrets, you know.

And I just took that.

He came in the door and it was, my heart aches when I think about his little face.

He was so happy, Brenda.

In his little bubble, he didn't have a clue.

And he said, thanks so much, Mom.

That was the lovely surprise that he got to go to the friend's house, you know.

And I vividly remember him taking off his jacket and thinking, he's never, my poor baby, who, when I tell you, is soulfully happy.

I just thought, he's never going to be this happy and free again.

He's eight, he's a baby, you know.

I felt like I'm stealing this away from him, you know.

So we go into the city room and his siblings are around me and I said, I have something to tell you.

And I said, Dad died.

He just started screaming and punching the pillow behind me and he was screaming.

And after that, it was manic.