What do you think?
Rate this book
Goodbye My Son: A mother's journey through terminal cancer, bereavement and beyond
Brian O'Mahony was diagnosed with leukaemia at eighteen and died just a few months later. In Goodbye, My Son Brian's mother, Marian, shares her experience of her son's journey through terminal illness, providing an invaluable insight into how to try to come to terms with even the most devastating of tragedies.
Suddenly plunged into the role of carer, and without any experience to draw on, Marian was confused and scared by a future that seemed to hold no hope. But she desperately sought to 'get it right', even when she wasn't sure what that might mean. From diagnosis through terminal living, bereavement and beyond, Marian describes her family's struggle to continue to live a meaningful life.
Containing practical coping strategies and hard-learned lessons, Goodbye, My Son offers hope and comfort to anyone dealing with life-altering circumstances. Marian looks at issues such as accepting help when you feel beaten and exhausted, arranging a moving funeral ceremony and creating a degree of normality in the weeks and months that follow. She also talks about how to reach out sensitively to those grieving the loss of a loved one, and explains how the community played an important role in her family's recovery.
Written with great warmth, honesty and candour, Goodbye, My Son is a touching tribute to a very special young man and a valuable resource for any family facing the challenges of terminal illness.
'A wonderful book from someone who has experienced the loss of a son. In the midst of her heartache Marian compiled this book to equip others who may find themselves in a similar situation.'
MARIE O'TOOLE, NATIONAL PRESIDENT, IRISH COUNTRYWOMEN'S ASSOCIATION
'Goodbye, My Son is thought provoking and heart rending. Written with great warmth and honesty, it offers hope and comfort to anyone faced with personal tragedy.'
DR SHARON MILNER, BA PhD CPsychol AFBPsS FHEA FCHERP
Suddenly plunged into the role of carer, and without any experience to draw on, Marian was confused and scared by a future that seemed to hold no hope. But she desperately sought to 'get it right', even when she wasn't sure what that might mean. From diagnosis through terminal living, bereavement and beyond, Marian describes her family's struggle to continue to live a meaningful life.
Containing practical coping strategies and hard-learned lessons, Goodbye, My Son offers hope and comfort to anyone dealing with life-altering circumstances. Marian looks at issues such as accepting help when you feel beaten and exhausted, arranging a moving funeral ceremony and creating a degree of normality in the weeks and months that follow. She also talks about how to reach out sensitively to those grieving the loss of a loved one, and explains how the community played an important role in her family's recovery.
Written with great warmth, honesty and candour, Goodbye, My Son is a touching tribute to a very special young man and a valuable resource for any family facing the challenges of terminal illness.
'A wonderful book from someone who has experienced the loss of a son. In the midst of her heartache Marian compiled this book to equip others who may find themselves in a similar situation.'
MARIE O'TOOLE, NATIONAL PRESIDENT, IRISH COUNTRYWOMEN'S ASSOCIATION
'Goodbye, My Son is thought provoking and heart rending. Written with great warmth and honesty, it offers hope and comfort to anyone faced with personal tragedy.'
DR SHARON MILNER, BA PhD CPsychol AFBPsS FHEA FCHERP
141 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2016
20 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 1, 2023
Heart rending but inspirational
I cannot imagine in the pain involved in Marian O'Mahony's story. I of have no knowledge of what her voice sounds like, but in this book at least it is soft and mellow. I hope and pray I'm never placed in her position but I also know I would never be able to cope with such grace and perspicacity.
I think this would be an invaluable read for anyone placed in this agonising situation.
I cannot imagine in the pain involved in Marian O'Mahony's story. I of have no knowledge of what her voice sounds like, but in this book at least it is soft and mellow. I hope and pray I'm never placed in her position but I also know I would never be able to cope with such grace and perspicacity.
I think this would be an invaluable read for anyone placed in this agonising situation.
June 2, 2024
Beautiful, painful, yet uplifting and wise
Marian, words cannot adequately express my gratitude for the gift of this story.
Thank you for sharing in full measure your awesome son Brian. I palpably felt the suffering that he, and all of you, endured. But as well the strength that he, you, your family and friends somehow found during this unimaginable torture.
Your instincts and faith in navigating these turbulent waters will remain with me. As well, your guidance for any of us when fate challenges us so painfully.
God bless you.
Marian, words cannot adequately express my gratitude for the gift of this story.
Thank you for sharing in full measure your awesome son Brian. I palpably felt the suffering that he, and all of you, endured. But as well the strength that he, you, your family and friends somehow found during this unimaginable torture.
Your instincts and faith in navigating these turbulent waters will remain with me. As well, your guidance for any of us when fate challenges us so painfully.
God bless you.
Read
November 29, 2024I am not giving a rating because it was short and too raw, vulnerable, and personal to assign a star rating to.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews