As Ailish Scully talks about her son Aidan, who sadly died of cancer in early 2020, the essence of this fine young man shines through her story. She brings him to life again and shows him off proudly, as a quiet and gentle child, an uncomplicated teenager, an ambitious young man about to embark on his chosen university course, the uncomplaining patient and finally the accepting soul who peacefully left them that night.
Ailish has every right to be proud of Aidan. He was only in this world a short time, but he lived his time well and he left a lifetime of good memories for his parents, his five siblings, his wider family and many friends.
During Aidan’s illness the family turned to Cancer Care West and the Galway Hospice for support. At Cancer Care West Aidan, his parents and siblings availed of the counselling services which they found extremely helpful as they coped with his diagnosis and treatment.
Aidan also availed of the cancer rehab physiotherapy service to help him stay strong. Following Aidan’s passing the family sought bereavement counselling with the Cancer Care West team they had come to know so well. At times Ailish felt the Galway support centre was like a home from home as different family members came and went for appointments.
“Declan and I want to say a big thank you to Dr Helen Greally and her team. They have been an amazing support for us throughout this time, helping us all deal with the trauma of Aidan’s diagnosis and his untimely death. It’s so important to have someone to talk to at times like this, someone professional who is not part of your normal everyday life.
“It gives you the space to work through so many emotions and helps you find the strength to move forward each day,” she said.
The loss of Aidan is still very raw and Ailish and her family have a way to go yet to find some peace and acceptance. However each of them is finding their own path forward and getting on with a life that, despite the enormous hole in it, has happy moments and good times.
As for Ailish, every day she wakes to thoughts of Aidan and the pain of his loss. But sometimes something will happen, like a butterfly landing on her hand, and she is reminded that he is never far away from her and while she can no longer hold him in her arms, she is always holding him in her heart.
