Sisters of the Moon

Hey everyone! I wanted to write
a little piece about my recent trip to California. I had three weeks to spend time with Ais and just to see her in the flesh, hug her and let her know how much she means to me was truly amazing. Though I was excited to be with my sis I was a bit nervous too since I was aware of how concerned our family was about Aisling’s health and well-being.

It was hard for Ais to have me shadowing around in her space from breakfast till bedtime, but I think it was really beneficial for both of us to understand what really is going on with her right now: ALOT!

It was nice to have time to talk without restrictions, and between all the appointments and…. even more appointments we managed to do some really nice things. Actually, when I look back on the time we had together, I’ve some really beautiful memories like when Ais was happy and a little carefree, picking wildflowers in Golden Gate park in the morning sun (this is a secret and special spot for Ais). It was really nice to be together amongst the giant trees and tiny flowers.

Ais also took me cycling in her neighborhood, the salty “Outer Sunset,” and whilst I was tentatively going down the long hill to the sea, Ais was gone like a flash, giggling in the distance and feeling happy. It was times like these that stand out most for me because she was happy and it felt good to see that.

During my visit I got to know her lovely housemates, Matt, Kelsey, Sarah, Gill and Lyndsey. They were so welcoming and understanding by letting me share their space. I know this must have been hard sometimes but they are the loveliest xxx

Aisling’s friends in San Francisco are really great people and I had so much fun getting to know Margaret and Emily (hot mamas!!!!) XXX

It was nice to be able to help Aisling as her schedule was pretty hectic. Managing a special diet, keeping up with appointments and holding down a job, she has been going around the clock for a long time and it became pretty clear that she needed to stop and simply take in what is happening to her. It’s easy to just keep going, never stopping, but then we can lose sight of the important stuff like being good to ourselves and letting others help. So with a fell swoop one night, Ais slowed down and realized that chemotherapy and a structured recovery plan would be better in her situation. She also realized that she needed more support.

Dear family and friends, I know it has been a sad year for us though the only way to get through tough times is by supporting each other, no matter how far away. I know Ais was really overwhelmed in the weeks after her diagnosis and found simple things like accepting a call really difficult.  I feel very sad that Aisling is going through this battle relatively alone and if I could say anything about how we can help our beautiful sister, niece, cousin and friend, then it would be simply to reach out and call her, email her or send a card, just so she feels our support. I assure you that it will mean the world to her (and me too!).

Though I saw her smile, I also saw my sister really sad and worried about her health and future and I found this hard because I love her so so much and because she is usually such a vibrant and compassionate person. I know that we all feel the same way towards her xx. She is being a real warrior through this and, even though she has cancer, most of the time I couldn’t keep up with her level of energy! She is a beautiful person who is going through a difficult time in her life but I just know that when she gets through this she will be stronger and ready to help others by sharing what she’ll have learnt from her life xxxx

It is hard to be apart from her but I respect her wishes to be wherever she feels is the best place for her to recover and heal from the cancer. We can, however, help her by all the little gestures and love we send her way x

Xx Maeve