watchingthedaisies

The Gift of Time

precious

I took a month off from blogging and social media over Christmas,

And I embraced the gift of TIME.

My dear aunt Peggy was nearing the end of her TIME on this good Earth,

Thus I was able to spend precious quiet TIME by her bedside.

The last of a family of eleven,

She passed away peacefully, aged 94 years young on 16 January.

Peggy was a terrific baker, and her treacle scones and pancakes were legendary.

She had a wonderful memory, and could recount past events, long forgotten by many.

At her funeral, the priest said,

“When people like Peggy die, it is like the burning of a library.”

Brigid P. Gallagher is a retired natural medicines therapist, passionate organic gardener and author of “Watching the Daisies- Life lessons on the Importance of Slow,” a holistic memoir dedicated to the art of mindfulness and healing from debilitating illness.

83 comments

      • I know Peggy. Ireland is not the same now for me since the old ones have gone. Can understand now why mum wouldn’t visit the homestead after uncle r.i.p moved into the town.
        I sensed the move was imminent when tea bags arrived.
        I got your book last week from I books and the few pages I have read ring so true for me also. The Heysham to Belfast boat was so exciting. I can picture us now, me, mum & dad dressed in his smart suit carrying two big heavy cases. Just realised now must be my earliest memory as I don’t remember my brother Ray in this snapshot. Ray is four years younger than me. ❤️

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  5. What a wonderful thing to be said of your dear Aunt Peggy. I’m glad you enjoyed your break from blogging and used the time to spend with your Aunty. Very special indeed.

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  12. Yes Brigid,
    My late father’s r.i.p oldest brother emigrated to America and never knew his younger brother and sister . Of the(family of 10 only the youngest two stayed in Ireland.
    Mum’s 2nd cousin next door emigrated to Australia and never returned. Mum had a saying ‘far away in Australia’.

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  16. Treacle scones were my favourites of the things my late aunt r.i.p baked. Memories of home made butter, churns, milking etc.
    I felt so privileged to spend quality time with my late aunt & uncle(brother and sister) on my week ends off when I worked in Enniskillen 1987-1988. I was able to help with my aunts care following a stroke also. Really lovely to see the homestead from an adult perspective. My fondest memories however are The ones from my childhood when we all visited as a family.

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  19. Endearing post, pleased you had the time to spend with her. There are some amazing people in this world who are bright and intelligent right to the end. The Priest had a beautiful way of expressing such dear souls. Peace and blessings

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  21. I love that you took the gift of “Time.” Your aunt, “like losing a library.” That really hit home as we are struggling to get stories from my parents about everything before that is no longer an option. Thanks for sharing this and welcome back Brigid! ~Kim

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  22. Dear Brigid, precious last moment with your aunt … what a family of so many! Endless stories, living on in each of you and perhaps you will have a chance to share small part of the stories from your aunt and her life. So sorry for your loss. Hugs, my friend XX

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  25. Hello Brigid. I’m sorry for your loss. The priest’s words,“When people like Peggy die, it is like the burning of a library.”––brilliant. I’m glad you took the time to be with your aunt and to just take a breather. ❤ xo

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  26. So sorry for your loss. It’s moving how you cherish this little time you spent with her and call it a gift. I guess we need to cross a certain bridge to realise the value of simple things in life. My prayers to you, your family and your aunt Peggy.

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  31. I’m glad you had some time off, Brigid, to reflect and enjoy some peaceful time. I’m sorry that it also including the passing of your aunt. But I’m sure the chance to enjoy her presence a little while was a gift for both of you. The priest’s words were wonderful and such a lovely glimpse into her life. ❤

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  32. What a wonderful person and the impact and the love she gave shines through. We have just lost my childhood friend’s mother age 95, she was from Tralee but lived in London from the time of WW2. Such characters, such stories.

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  36. “The burning of a library”…what a beautiful tribute and so true…I’m left wishing I could taste those scones and pancakes, they sound divine. I’m glad you were able to spend some quiet time with your lovely Aunt Peggy.

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