When we were teenagers and best friends, Tony and I undertook that whoever died the last, that the survivor would remain in contact with the other’s bereaved wife and family. I hope that you, Lily, and all Tony’s children and grandchildren are coping with your loss as well as possible. May God grant eternal peace to Tony and bless his bereaved family.
For Tony, I say, "In the beginning, there was you and there was me, but once we met, there was only us. We were so close in our friendship for over sixty years that even our shadows could not be separated. In our teenage years where you went, so did I, and where I walked, you walked alongside me, blood brothers to the end".
Also today, I want to remember Helen Walsh. Helen died a short while ago and her husband Liam Walsh is related to Tony Walsh, Indeed, Liam informs me that Helen and Tony are only separated by one grave-space in the cemetery.
Following a recent heavenly birthday song, I dedicated to Helen Walsh on the anniversary of her birthday on September 9th, I received a lovely reply of appreciation from her bereaved husband, Liam Walsh, who told me of the connection between the Walshes of Carrick-On-Suire.
Liam said to me in a message within the past 24 hours, "Helen was deeply loved by each and every one of her family. She was a friend to many less fortunate individuals in our community, and she had a caring and kindness about her that carried her through life. Always ready to help where possible, indeed, she was no stranger to grief herself, having lost her parents and 6 of her siblings, all before their time. She was one of life's gifts to all of us and we were privileged to have known and loved her. Bill, thanks again for your correspondence and encouragement to Helen, she really enjoyed your daily posts. May l wish you every blessing in your own battle. God bless you and keep you safe, Liam.
PS,
It's a small world, Bill."
In an echo of Liam Walsh's sentiments of it being a 'small world', it certainly is! Until one day ago, I never knew that two people whom I deeply cared for were related and lived in the same Irish village. Even in their death, they remain close (only one grave-space apart).
If God grants me and Sheila another opportunity to visit my homeland of Ireland, I will visit Tony's widow, Lily, and also Helen's widower, Liam, and I shall then say a prayer at the graveside of their lifelong spouses and soul mates. Until then, 'Today, tomorrow, and forever' I'll always be your friend.
Love and peace Bill xxx