Tim and I were up early on 18 December 2025. There was a tense anticipation flowing like an energy between us. Our precious daughter-in-law, Elaine had gone into Cork University Maternity Hospital to give birth to our fourth grandchild. We were all business, readying ourselves to get the jobs done as Colm would not be farming that day. It was a day that would change all our lives.

We sat for our breakfast and talked of the lovely day to be born as the watery sun bathed Woodside in hues of green, brown and gold on the backdrop of green grass.

We were about to leave for the yard when my phone rang. It was Colm to say that Alan Philip had arrived and both Elaine and baby were doing well. I stumbled over the news “baby born already”. A rush of relief and love followed while I opened a new corner in my heart for little Alan. What a lucky baby to have such wonderful parents, four grandparents, doting aunties, loving uncles and two boisterous cousins in Ricky and Katie to greet him.

ADVERTISEMENT

Homecoming

Peter, his two-year-old brother, will enhance his world, exhausting all possibilities of play, love and mischief. It’s tough for the older child to accept the new sibling as their little world turns upside down for a short while.

The default position from Peter has become “no” to smooches, no kisses, no grannies’ houses and any suggestion of change really. Peter is doing his best to preserve his safe triangle of love. He loves his little brother but he’s taking up too much of his mom and dad’s time. He’s discovering feelings he hasn’t had before. His mantra is: “I want my mom” if she’s out of his sight for two seconds. We mothers know how much that pulls at the heartstrings as parents navigate their lives with a newborn.

Exhaustion is part of the parcel for Elaine but it doesn’t interfere with her broad smile and sparkling eyes as she drinks in little Alan and holds Peter close too. What a lovely time for parents and how blessed Alan is to be born into a farming family surrounded with undulating farmland, the noises of cows and calves, beautiful birdsong and abundant love.

On 20 December, Colm brought Elaine and Alan home. I had left flowers in and done a tidy around the living room, putting the finishing touches to Colm’s efforts. He had done well but there are things men, even these modern ones, don’t see. Elaine’s parents would have the first meeting and they would be bringing Peter too. Colm and Elaine were semi-isolating to keep the nasty colds and flu away.

What a lovely time for parents and how blessed Alan is to be born into a farming family surrounded with undulating farmland, the noises of cows and calves, beautiful birdsong and abundant love

When the Reillys left, I got the call over. It seemed an age since I’d seen Elaine a few days previously. After hugs and congratulations, I sat and she placed the handsome little fella into my arms. The rush of love, my heart bursting with emotion and gratitude for this precious time with my grandson was just wholeheartedly special. The connection of hearts had begun that will most definitely grow into a rewarding granny-Alan relationship. How fortunate I am.

Disturbing news

A few days later, on 23 December, my oncologist informed me that my recent scans showed metastases across my lungs. My surgery in London was cancelled. A devastating blow. As my lovely colleagues in Irish Country Living need a Christmas break, I wrote some columns in advance. That’s why this news is coming to you a little later.

Thank you again for all the good wishes. The bottom line is that I’m not in London. Alan’s story is my priority so more on the other next week.

Life goes on.