Slán

Style Code: RH/198-1
n a hospice in Cork almost thirteen years ago, I had to say goodbye to my Mom. She had stage four ovarian cancer and despite holding out for a lot longer than initially diagnosed – it was her time. ? My last night staying by the hospital bedside, we watched one of her favourite movies, ‘Miracle on 34th Street’. She kept drifting in and out of sleep. I rewound the movie for her each time she woke up. Her body was frail and I can only imagine how she was processing leaving us. She didn’t want to die. At the time I was distracted with family, friends and well-wishers. It was a haze.

I think about her every day and when I became a father, I think I finally understood her. I would do anything for my daughter and the thought of saying goodbye is my biggest fear. The year after my mother died we found a note amongst the Christmas decorations in the attic.

It said, “Happy Xmas my three little babies. I love you and I miss you. X”. We use the Irish word “Slán” to say goodbye in Ireland, but it has so much more meaning. It means to be healthy, safe or complete.

To say “Slán” is not just saying goodbye, it is saying that you care.

Slán a Mhamaí.

Additional Info: Sizes: A4 (210mm x 297mm). All prints are digitally printed to 230gsm Archival Matte.

Please note: this mount is unframed.