Una and her wonderful sister, Broangh

Here is an extract of an email Una sent out and she has asked me to include it on our blog;

'I think of you often but life takes us on strange and difficult journeys and so here I am catching up at this time of big challenges. My sister ( Broangh who lives in Dublin and I stayed with during our Coach U Training) was diagnosed with Cancer just some 4 weeks ago. It is rare and aggressive and found originally in a fibroid they took from her womb when giving her a hysterectomy on the 18th June. I went home to see her that weekend as I wanted to be there as it was her birthday ( 51years) on the 20th and we are very close. She got the news a week later and it came as a big shock. She then planned carefully how she would tell her family and friends making sure everyone had someone to support them when they got the news. She has lived a life to this point which has been all about loving and giving and she is now reaping what she has sown. The out pouring of love and support is almost overwhelming. However this love and desire to keep my extraordinary and beautiful sister alive may be part of the miracle we need. The cancer is in her liver and lungs so it is not good. So far ( it is a very rare cancer) chemo has only halted it for a time but never killed it from the research documented.

We are a strong large extended family ( and friends) who live in hope and many have faith in God. Bronagh has done lots of bringing us all together where we have shared stories,laughed,danced and cried in the last number of weeks - surreal at times as she despite her increasing fatigue has managed to dance to Madonna ' Vogue' and' holiday' like a professional! She has so much life and love in her heart it is a puzzle to understand why her and so I do not try to understand. She cries seldom except for those she feels are being hurt by this difficult situation like our mummy of 84 years. She has no fear of dying but doesn't like the idea of losing her eyebrows in the short term!! She has nursed many terminally ill people so she has seen all this at first hand and comforted those close to her patients. She has ( as a midwife) brought new life into the world. As an IVF specialist ( her work in the last 10 years) she has helped couples on the journey to create their beautiful miracle babies. She has written and performed her own play 'Maiden Voyages' off broadway New York about women and childbirth and has written her own poetry. She has truly lived and given at every turn. She is the person who so many believe is their best friend, the friend you always want at a party as she is so warm andwill make everyone laugh with her own stories and cry as she recites poetry especially early Sheamus Heaney. Most recently she pushed herself to come to London for our dear Dylan's Holy Communion ( I say 'our 'as I truly share my children with Bronagh who calls them about 4 times a week. She does not have children of her own). We had the most fabulous day and evening and Bronagh and some Irish friends I had not seen in a while but recently re connected with entertained us most of the evening. Great songs and laughter.

And so am I so grateful to have her in my life and I accept whatever is to come. I will have my moments but I will do to my best to reflect the dignity that she is showing now as she embarks on this journey.

For those of you who pray please include my dear sister Bronagh in your prayers. Positive thoughts are greatfully received too.

Take very good care and go gently

BIg hug to each of you

Unaxx'