Mum you’re an inspiration

A DUNLOY lady is our March Bouquet of the Month winner thanks to her daughter.

Kathleen Downey has had a few ‘challenging’ years following family illness, trauma and bereavement, however has remained strong and an inspiration to everyone she meets.

In an emotional letter to the Times, her daughter Aileen explained: “I would like to nominate my mum Kathleen Downey for the Bouquet of the Month.

“My mum is such an inspirational woman. She is always there for everyone, kind, generous and thoughtful. Such a ‘Family Person’. Throughout the past few years she has come through many challenging things in her life but somehow always manages to regain the strength and comes out even stronger on the other side.

“It has to be said now we do have quite a big family. My mum has five brothers and two sisters but girls being girls the sisterly bond is like no other. Mum, Colette and Anne have always been so close.

“In September of last year the dreaded news of my Aunt Colette being diagnosed with Cancer came into the family. We were all devastated but kept positive for her sake, her young family’s sake and for Granny and Granda.

“Mammy became Colette’s ‘right hand woman’. She never left her unless to sleep at night, and was such a great help and support to everyone who needed her. Aunt Colette just loved having ‘Katie Mo’ (as she is called by all Colette’s family) down with her, even just for a chat and the ‘scandal’ as Colette often said.

“Unfortunately Colette passed away on 20th January 2011. Such a shock to the family, so quick but suffering no more pain.

“I worried about how my mum would cope, how she would get through this and yet again how she would find that strength to come out the other side. It is hard but I am so proud of how my mum is coping with things. Her strength and family loyalty has yet again made her a stronger woman.

“And just when things seem to be getting a little brighter more devastation has recently struck following two further family emergencies.

“However Mum just gets on with it and continues to be there for everyone, often forgetting about herself. I think she is very worthy of the ‘Bouquet of the Month’. She absolutely loves flowers so I know this will bring a great, well deserved, smile to that face.”