Eight balloons for little Peter
Sinéad Hogan
A Crosskeys mum is dealing with the devastation of the death of her beloved child by organising a walk in Loughcrew to mark his eighth birthday, and is inviting other parents and families who have lost children to join her.
Anne and Peter Hennessy lost their precious son, Peter, four years ago in a tragic car accident on Mullingar bypass. They and their six-year-old, Paul, will light a commemorative candle for him at Lough Crew Gardens on Sunday, June 29, and follow by walking slowly to the cairn with all who wish to join them. They will release eight balloons into heaven to celebrate Peter’s short but eternally-treasured life.
'I felt: ‘How am I going to go through another birthday without him?’. He is in heaven, but I am on a journey. For me, everything has shifted to the reality of death. I wouldn’t wish it on any mother or father,' Anne told The Anglo-Celt.
She is conscious, however, that there are other parents who are also touched by such heartbreak. 'As we walk up to the cairn together, we can reflect on the gift of life that our children got,' she says, describing their younger son Paul as 'incredible'.
Anne recalls how, on that awful day, Peter wouldn’t sit still for her to put his coat on as his loving dad left to bring him and Paul to a mart in their wellies. Just an hour later, 'Peter’s little body lay quiet, still, calm and cold in a strange bed in Mullingar Hospital', following an accident that involved a disqualified driver and left the Hennessys heartbroken. He had died in the loving arms of his Dad.
'Life is so precious and sacred and can be taken at any moment,' says Anne. 'So many parents are left with the empty hole, the hollow sound, the finality of death and how devastating that is. I want to make and will always make a big fuss of Peter’s birthday because that was the day he was given to us and what a happy day that was. Remembering that awesome day in New York is what brings a little joy back to my heart. I rather think of that than the day he was torn out of our arms, arms that hugged him with so much love.'
All are welcome to gather in Lough Crew Gardens at midday for the candle-lighting ceremony - especially those who have lost children. Following coffee, the slow, peaceful walk to the foot of Sliabh na Caillaigh will take about 15 minutes. People are free to descend in their own time or stay to enjoy the history or have a picnic. Those who don’t wish to walk are also welcome to meet in the gardens. Contact Anne at 086-8856179.