Christmas Time 1983
On the 7th of May, 2018 my best friend passed away from Dementia. Eddie Byrne was also my father and the kindest, most loving man I have ever known. Dad was one of 55,000 people living with Dementia in Ireland and sadly, these numbers are growing.
Dad’s illness got to a stage where he could not manage to perform any daily tasks for himself. This had quickly become 24 hour care and something that had become too hard to handle by ourselves and needed urgent help from professionals. We reached out to our local care centre in Bray, Co Wicklow and even though in many ways they were stretched beyond their means, they managed to have carer’s call to our home on a daily basis. These volunteers were some of the kindest, selfless people I had ever met in my life. They made my dad as comfortable as possible. They became friendly faces for dad to interact with and were so professional, sensitive and caring when it came to personal care. My family and I will always be beyond grateful to these loving people and the organizations that provides us with this respite, love and empathy.
The number of people with dementia in Ireland is expected to more than double from 55,000 today to 141,200 in 2050. This is a frightening reality and one that needs more support as this awful disease takes a stronger hold. More people needing care and health workers, volunteers, and support agencies finding it harder to keep up with people’s needs.
I am only one person among millions that have experienced the care that a loved one needs when living with Alzhiemers/Dementia. I am a musician, as was my father. Music was the one thing that he could relate to even when everything else became a blur. Through this experience I have learned of how music has been both a common stimulant and relaxant to the many people that have lived or are living with this disease.
Since my dad’s passing, each year I wanted to do my little bit to raise funds for these wonderful organizations. This year and with Christmas upon us I felt that I could write a Christmas song that reflects on the past. In my case, I am blessed to say that I had a very happy up bringing by two very loving parents, with so many happy memories of when my dad was a fit and well man. And as the song goes – ‘here’s to the joy that surrounded me at Christmas time 1983’.
Hopefully through our story, together we will help others find the peace and connection music can bring to those that have been deprived of their faculties. 100% of all proceeds will go to Wicklow Dementia Support. If you wish to make an additional donation, you can do so directly at the link here. Thank you!
