My mother developed breast cancer when she was thirty eight. She died four years later. I was eleven, the oldest of her four children.

I felt I could cope with anything life would throw at me, except developing the same cancer as she had. However, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. In 2013 I was told the cancer had metastasised into all my bones and bone marrow.

My book begins with memories of my mother, her illness and demise as remembered through my childhood eyes.

I follow my own journey during the past decade, illuminating my story with journal entries, reflections, stories and poetry I have written during that time. I found that tapping into my creative spirit has been wonderful therapy as well as a joyful release of my thoughts and feelings. During the past ten years my life has been transformed on every level of my existence. I now have a sense of gratitude for the wonders and little miracles I have come to be aware of in each day of my graced life.

All proceeds from the sale of this book go to The Irish Cancer Society