Let me share a flash of light on a dark news day. Today a 2 month old warrior, my godson, gasped his 1st breath without a ventilator, heard his own cry & his beating heart beat all the odds a week after life a saving operation. Best news ever
#miracleshappen
Totally overwhelmed with the mountain of supportive beautiful messages since my interview on
@RTELateLateShow
. Ryan was so kind to me, he gently calmed my crazy nerves. Thanks to all who took the time to send ❤️It means more than you'll ever know
#AstheSmokeClears
#feelingthelove
5 yrs ago today though it feels like a lifetime ago. Our happiest moment! Hard not to focus on the fact that you disappeared 4 days later.
Trying to remember the good times with
@BrianOCW
but cant help but feel the sting of a life robbed 📷
#happyanniversary
💔
July 19th is a day I should celebrate, my wedding anniversary, but it's one I dread every year. No point in pretense, my heart is destroyed but tonight I'll toast my husbands memory. His other anniversary looms in 4 days time. Not a good week, bear with me💔
Today should be your 50th Brian. So sad that you never reached that landmark. I'll toast you with fine food & wine, though the fanciest fare tastes dull without you & my cooking never matched up to your culinary skill
Happy birthday darling
#aliveinmyheart
Thank you to the lovely taxi driver who got me off O'Connell Bridge just as the swarm arrived from nowhere. We watched in shock belting down the quays as Dublin city behind us turned into
#hell
. Garda cars, City Bus & Luas all on fire. Sad & scared tonight 💔
Again Greece suffers as fires burn & yet still tourists fly into Rhodes. Take it from one who has life-altering burn injuries - risking it all for that 'holiday' is simply
not worth it. Love & strength to those fighting for their lives & homes
#staysafe
💔
3 yrs 3 mths later - finally parted with Brian's clothes for charity. Cant part with the snuggly jumpers or wedding suit though so don't even ask! As for the items that still carry a feint essence of B - well they're going nowhere either
#inhale
#1stepatatime
Just this today ...
If a picture could talk, well this image, from four years ago today, would say all that ever needed to be said.
Miss you Brian O'Callaghan Westropp 💔💔
Thank you
@RadioBrendanRTE
for an empathetic interview. Never easy to discuss my story, much easier when its done in such a kind way. Sure we even threw a little laughter into the mix. Sending oodles of love to all those messaged support❣️
#feelingthelove
Woke this morning from an uncannily realistic dream You came back to celebrate your birthday (you'd be 52 today in case you're curious)
Awaking I expected to see you there just for a second but well .. y'know
Happy birthday darling Brian❣️
#goneneverforgotten
Thanks to all for the messages of support in advance of my trip to Greece. Nervous as hell but as ready as I can be for the next step on this incredibly difficult journey. All for the memory of my wonderful Brian OCW 💔
#neverforget
#Mati
@Independent_ie
Well I'm going to be a guest on the
@RTELateLateShow
tomorrow eve to talk about my book
#AstheSmokeClears
. Experiencing a plethora of emotions - mostly excitement about meeting Ryan, with a side helping of nerves thrown into the mix.
#nervousnelly
Today I get the best present anyone could wish for. My new godson, 3 month old warrior is escaping ICU & visiting for his 1st Xmas celebration. His feisty spirit is inspirational & the perfect distraction. Festive feast & the biggest smiles await
#xmasmiracle
Spent the first half of my life straightening my curly hair, with a brief 'ahem' interlude when I lost the lot. Now it seems I'm again embracing my inner
#CurlySue
Indecisive much? Sure it's a woman's perogative to change her mind right!
#timeforachange
Four years gone already, though in so many ways it feels like a lifetime since you last held my hand. Today those who loved you so very much will go to your special place & remember the wonderful man that was Brian O'Callaghan Westropp 💔
#neverforgotten
Where do I begin - my trip to Athens was challenging yet transformative. I'm home, exhausted & as a wise woman once said 'feeling all the feelings'. Allow me to expand. Court left me raw & vulnerable but it felt so cathartic to finally tell the truth
#Mati
All things going to plan I'm going back under the knife tomorrow
@stjamesdublin
Am a bundle of nerves, excitement & all emotions in between. I've been waiting for this op for a while but am in the best hands. It's a biggie! Fingers crossed
#nextstepforward
Finally bit the bullet - 2 years 8 months after losing all my hair it's finally long enough to go without wigs, extensions or other dark arts of the hairy kind😉 Feels like I'm coming out of hiding again. Ah the freedom of a glue free head!!
#FromBaldietoBob
It's been reported in the Greek media that a firefighter plane crashed on the island of Evia, Greece. Two brave volunteers were on board trying to extinguish the inferno. Tragically these
#heroes
sacrificed their own lives to save others.
#RIP
#FireKills
💔
Nothing better than support from a local business Imagine how chuffed I was to see this at SuperValu Rathborne ready to sell tomorrow. Blown away by the kindness I've experienced from the amazing staff here & they just upped their game 🥰
#supportlocalbusiness
#SupervaluRathborne
I try to look away & avoid the news channels but I'm transfixed by the footage of the Greek fires. Heart is breaking witnessing such pain & destruction. It's like watching a repeat of Mati 2018. All we can do is watch & pray people will escape to safety 💔
Trying to contain my excitement but I'm fooling nobody. Was chuffed to see my new column in today's Irish Independent being flashed on the front cover. Check out
@HealthandLiving
supplement or
@Independent_ie
to see what it's all about
#nextstepforward
If you think
#Twitter
sometimes lacks humanity, check out the incredibly beautiful messages of love & support I received yesterday. It was like being enveloped in much needed hugs from friends & strangers. Made the hardest day so much lot easier❣️
#FeltTheLove
Blown away by all the loving support since Saturday morn. Maybe my
@RadioBrendanRTE
interview should have a trauma warning but the amazing responses set this difficult month in a whole new light. Thank you all from the bottom of my 🩷
About to have a chat with the legend that is
@joeliveline
Bit jittery after 14 cups of coffee this morning (bad nights sleep). Good thing the interview's on the radio and y'all can't see my shakes
#jooooooeeeeeeduffy
Dad's gone 3 years today. There hasn't been a day that I haven't asked for his advice in my head. I miss his divilish sense of humor, his terrible jokes told with style his hugs & that cheeky grin. Trying to think of the fun times but boy I just miss Dad 💔
No words are enough to thank those who saved my life. Yesterday I tried to express love & respect to all victims of Mati '18 in my 1st interview on Greek TV
@ERTGreece
I also got to thank
@ManosTsaliagos
& all
@MiteraHospital
for rescuing me
#neverforgetMati
So proud to take part in today's
#SJHNursing
conference. Wonderful to share the positive aspects of my medical journey with some of my favorite people. There was the odd tear shed but I was very much at home with the old gang
#Burnssurvivor
#gratitude
An anxious start to the day. On edge after a bad night, invaded by nightmares. Took myself down to the river this afternoon to shake off that veil of woe. There's something about the rush of water that always does the trick
#naturesremedy
#healingwaters
Over the last 3 days Ive sorted Brian's photos, clothes & momentoes
#attictreasures
Found a few surprises (spooky squid scotch bottle) laughs (teenage pics) & gulps (ancient cooking implements I'll never part with) A lovely voyage of discovery
#mixedemotions
Thanks
@liadanhynes
for today's piece in the Sunday Independent. A probing interview with hopefully an essence of optimism for the future. Strange to see my face on the cover of the supplement but glorious to see Brian's happy smile within
#AstheSmokeClears
Just got back from St James occupational therapy unit and I'm smiling. Caught up with some beautiful people & got some very fetching new bandages (gloves are all the rage this season😉) Lucky to have these amazing people in charge of my care!
#lovinstjames
Whilst talking about topics like sudden loss and grief I've received 100's of messages from those sharing their own sadness this week. There are many suffering right now but there's so much love out there if you seek it out 💜
#lightshiningthrough
Today's
@Independent_ie
I share a glimpse of my journey to Greece for the Mati fire trial. Nothing worthwhile in life comes easy & while this was scary at times, I'm glad I got the chance to share what happened 23/07/2018
For Brian OCW & the 102
#neverforget
Its a little uncomfortable banging my own drum but I'm bursting with excitement today. Thank you to the wonderful & supportive
@joeliveline
for the nomination for
#AstheSmokeClears
. The Audience Choice award is one I'm honoured to be part of
#tearsofjoy
@JerePoyhonen
You're our winners anyway. Have never heard an audience chant like they did for you. If I could I would cha cha change the end of the show but thank you for entertaining us all 💚
4 days ago I travelled with fear in my heart worried how this would unfold. Giving my Mati testimony wasn't easy but I'm just one of many & I've been overwhelmed by the support love & hope these people have gifted me
#neverforget
#BrianOCW
❣️
Excuse the Saturday morning snoozy head. Am about to go on
@kclr96fm
to have a chat with
@EdwardHayden
so there's no lounging around in jimjams for me. Cuppa in hand to help croaky vocal chords. Looking forward to
#RadioRamblings
A strange but wonderful feeling - in the last 2 weeks a lot of people have sent me this, their favorite quote from 'As the Smoke Clears'.
July is a hard month for me but sometimes it takes a stranger to remind you of the truths you hold dear❣️
#everlasting
PTSD alert - Storm Barra had me quaking as I flew to the shop. The piercing sound of wind can be a major trigger for flashbacks but I'm very proud to announce I made it back intact without wobbles (bar nearly being blown under a car 😬)
#challengeovercome
Horrific news from my hometown. A woman's body was found down the road in Ashtown & guards are reporting foul play. We're in shock over here. Hard to believe such violence could occur so close. My heart goes out to her & her loved ones
#anotherwomanmurdered
2023 can we make up & start again?
After weeks of illness I'm naming today as my official New Year. With lots of new meds & fresh air in my lungs I'm finally rejoining the human race & kicking 2023 into action mode!
Happy New Year Y'all
#betterlatethannever
So good to be back.. nearly 3 years since I've been to one of favourite places in Dublin - The Bailey. The welcome has been phenomenal, a bit emotional to see my old pals John & Eugene but so very happy today # beautifulBailey
#Summerreunion
Aware that I'm grinning like an excitable eejit in this pic & excuse the name drop but I had the total joy to meet
@GregoryPorter
on Friday
@thelatelateshow
Such a gent, humble, warm and wow what a voice ❣️
May have a
#littlecrush
but can you blame me 😉
@ismiseyusuf
This is the most entertaining court related thread I've read in a long time. You even make the central figure sound almost interesting... 'almost' 🤣🤣 Look forward to the next installment!
Proud of my brain right now. A few years ago a storm like the one we just witnessed would've sent me hurtling into a PTSD flashback (loud thunder & fire - my main triggers). Today bar a little discomfort I got through it with ease Phew
#flashbacks
#recovery
I'm going to be talking to the lovely Ciara O'Doherty on the
@TonightVMTV
later about my recent return trip to Greece, amongst other things. Thankfully I'll be sitting down so you won't be able to see my nervous legs jig. I'm a one woman
#fidgetspinner
today!
I reunited with my magnificent surgeon
@GeorgiosMoutoglis
who made the impossible happen. The man who saved my eyes, face, my hand from amputation, my legs & maybe even a little bit of my sanity. I placed my trust in him and he repaid that trust in
#miracles
Since reducing my pain pills back last July, I've been trying to continue the process. A life medication free may be a dream but today I'm taking the next step. Fewer smarties will be kinder to my organs in the long run. Wish me luck
#step2detox
#notsmarties
OK this Chrimbo I decided to embrace my inner animal (reindeer in case y'all hadn't guessed). Not sure if I'm red-nosed enough to play Rudolf (lips yes, nose no). Going for a
#Dancer
#Vixen
combo look with a robin on my shoulder for a touch of luck for 2024
The funniest cheekiest most talented Dad I could ask for - Colm Holohan gone 4 yrs today. Not quite gone.. just elsewhere. Echoes of you linger all around - in your art, jokes & sage advice (I could use words of wisdom right now) Love you Dad
#artistliveson
@Gill_Books
There's a bottle of bubbly 'giving me the eye' in the corner. What do you reckon - is it over-indulgent to pop that cork solo in lock-down? Am not sure why I'm asking this question because my mind is already made up 😀
#timetocelebrate
This Paddy's Day I'm rejoicing in all things Irish. Here are a few of my favourites - Tayto crisps, Jameson whiskey, Red lemonade, Slagging, a cup of Barrys, The ‘just a minute’ quiz & having the craic in my local pub
#proudtobeirish
#happypaddysday
Congrats to Dr Maureen Gaffney on her win in RTE choice award. Well deserved. Thank you so much to all who voted & supported me over the last few weeks, especially
@joeliveline
It's been so exciting. Am I allowed drink the bubbly even if I didnt win? Yes? 😜
I got to meet & thank the man who carried my burned body through the fire to safety
@ManosTsaliagos
What words are big enough, impressive enough to thank one who risked his life to save yours. There are no suitable words, just a lot of tears & hugs
Lump in the throat territory. Finn ringing the daylights out of the bell started me off. The beautiful lass playing harp, DJs knocking out serious tunes, not forgetting our pride & joy Kellie Harrington. Loving the positive energy of
@latelatetoyshow
#bigkid
Amusing interrogation today. Stuck in a Tesco queue & curious 3 yr old wanted to know who I was, why I was there & precisely what I was purchasing. The kid wanted fast answers & I had no choice but to cooperate. No pleading the 5th at the
#toddlerinquisition
Bubbly 1/ Willpower 0 There are few moments we get to celebrate these days, but tonight I say sláinte, chin chin, cheers, skol etc. I'm toasting all those lovely people who helped me get to this place. You know who you are ❤️
#thankyoumyangels
#No1
After 17 days abstinence I'm back. Recovery from op is a slow painful process. I'm a smidgen tetchy but at last I'm fully dressed, limping around with gusto while cursing like a sailor. Impetus to get moving - cant watch anymore daytime TV
#pottymouthpatient
Back
@stjamesdublin
burns unit yesterday for the next step in our mighty plan (operation Zap Zoe to follow). Further laser treatments on the cards. Burning burns may seem like a funny concept but bizarrely I'm excited to get back to it
#nopainnogain
#nextstep
@stjamesdublin
Thank you so much to all in St. James's Burns unit - everybody from surgeons doctors & nurses to therapists, occupational therapists & physios who put this Humpty Dumpty back together again. Wouldn't be here without you all
#lovetoStJamescrew
#lifesavers
The reason I can type this tweet is because of the exceptional skill & remarkable patience demonstrated by this team of OT legends. I spy with my little eye
@modonnellHT
@shaneOCarroll5
hiding behind those masks. My little finger (aka little f***er) says 👋
In today's I discuss the tricky process of navigating death anniversaries. Many have been there tiptoeing through painful memories. 4 years on my mindset is finally changing thanks to the
#wordsofwisdom
from a London cabbie
#Zoesdiary
So I'm talking to my old pal Alan Hughes tomorrow morning
@IrelandAMVMTV
at 8am. Haven't seen him since my wedding, July 19th 2018. While we speak about some of the tragedy in
#AstheSmokeClears
it was still lovely to catch up at long last 💜
Zoe Holohan and her husband, Brian Westropp O’Callaghan, saw their dream honeymoon turn to a living nightmare. Caught up in the fires Brian was killed while
@HolohanZoe
was severely injured
Tune into tmrrow for Alan's emotional chat with Zoe as she bravely tells her story
#IrlAM
So the Chris Rock 'joke' was NOT funny. I lost my hair 3 yrs ago due to sepsis & covered my neon scalp in wigs, hats, anything I could find. I felt like the final vestiges of femininity had deserted me after my burns. Hair loss was the last straw
#notlaughing
Got some lousy news earlier - not major just a bit bah humbug. In a moment of sheer irony I 'accidentally' opened a box of celebrations and half a dozen mini twix bars fell in my mouth. Now I'm concerned the others will feel left out
#favorites
#choccytherapy
That sound you're hearing is a big sigh of relief!
After days of bed-bound isolation I got a negative PCR result. I've never been so happy to fail a test. Sinus infection cunningly disguised as covid. Banging headache, blurred vision but still smiling
#phew
After completing laser treatment for leg burns today (ouch but worth it) I'm putting finishing touches on my talk for
@stjamesdublin
conference tomorrow. Excited to share 'My Patients Journey' on behalf of the amazing Burns team
#burnssurvivor
#SJHConf22
Are we there yet 👀T-7 The annual
#SJHNursing
@stjamesdublin
Conference “Leading the Way” is open to
#SJH
& external registrations
#SharedLearning
.This year we are meeting & networking in person💡 Looking forward to hearing from a great variety of speakers & colleagues
#SJHConf22
I was at last with people who understood my pain. So so many victims, so many broken hearts but yet such an abundance of love kindness & support. Believe me when I say this took all the strength I could muster but then some magical moments occurred
#heroes
Thank you
@JenniferZamparelli
for giving tonight's online event on
#LivingwithGrief
a shout out on 2FM. You can still book free tickets on Eventbrite up to 6.30pm/ forum starts @ 7.30. There will be experts on hand to help if you're struggling with loss❣️
Everywhere I went today - Supervalu, the pharmacy & Phoenix Park, there were kids talking about the toy show. Their excitement was contagious & made me giggle. Especially the little girl who swore 'Dad I may never sleep again' It's gonna be a late late one 😉
Didn't win the lotto but got the next best thing. Real life Keanu Reeves (moviestar hunk) just messaged me. He called me beautiful (shucks) & even if he's only a few followers, (probably shy) he's definitely the real deal. Should I msg back?
#meowfishy
🐱🐟
Thank you
@joeliveline
for mentioning my book, especially for the day that's in it. I was sent a card from the man himself with beautiful artwork on the front, all his own creation. The card & message I'll always treasure ❤️
#littletreasures
#AstheSmokeClears
Today I finally tasted food after 2 weeks & even caught a feint fragrance of perfume, which I still sprayed every sick day determined to sniff something. Welcome back to my lost senses, missed you. Simple salad was never so delish
#byebyecovidhellodinner
What three words are guaranteed to drive you nuts every time?
For me there's no competition, it's that big lie my cheese tells me daily:
'Easy seal packaging'
Easy seal my derriere!!
#nothingeasyaboutit
What a gorgeous surprise! I adore Aveeno products, they're the only lotions I can use for my skin and scars. Huge thanks to Rebecca
@BurrellPR
❤️ Remember if it's good enough for Jennifer Anniston, it's good enough for me😜
#lovingAveeno
#HugstoBex
Thank you
@ellegordon3
@VIPmagaz
for this fabulous piece in the May issue. The interview was so positive - my heart flipped when I saw Brian's name & Hero in a headline. Reckon this means he's officially a VIP now (secretly he'd have loved that) ❤️
#VIPhero
Row row row your boat
Quickly up that stream
Grab the gold
It's yours to hold
Now you'll live the dream
Well done
@Fintanmccarthy
&
@refpaulodonovan
So proud of you lads 🚣♂️🚣♂️🥇🥇
Trying to practice gratitude & its quite a challenge.
Still today I'm grateful for:
A sense of hope for my friends baby who's battling to survive
My pal who offered strength when I'm weak at the knees
The mystery that Brian left me to solve 🙊
#gratitude
Challenging week. The season of good cheer can be anything but, when you miss loved ones. This is true for so many at Xmas. Attempting to commemorate those that are gone (the past) while keeping one foot in the present & both eyes on the future
#balancingact
As
@ecatmc
so rightly said sometimes social media can be a wonderful place. The support I've received over the 2 days has been incredible. Soaking up the love & virtual hugs. Proof if needed that there are some lovely people out there ❤️
#kindnessofstrangers
Jab no 1 done. I'm so grateful to my lovely doc; didn't feel the needle & bar a mild ache have no side effects (🤞 it stays that way). Docs were insanely busy but never complained. Proof once again that they're the warriors in this pandemic
#hopeonthehorizon
A little excerpt from 'As the Smoke Clears' in today's Irish Independent. Good to share happier moments like the incredible kindness I experienced from friends and strangers alike, when I finally stepped out into the real world once more
@Independent_ie
#kindnessofstrangers
Have a wee dose, not C but walloped for last 2 days. Alas slumber was disturbed by fire alarm in apartment block. Panic ensued (PTSD alert) Fled wearing mismatched PJs & gripping handbag shoes & passport. Neighbours think I've lost the plot 🫣
#flashback
Each December I review goals I set in January. 2021 was challenging, my 1st resolution was to stay alive so I can tick that one off the list. Its quite a powerful exercise reviewing progress. Many achieved, some are going back on the list for 2022
#lifegoals
Well I know I'm a smidgen bias but can I just say I wouldnt be typing this tweet if it werent for the legendary OT team
@stjamesdublin
Thanks for my fully functioning digits (even the creaky lil one) & for always managing to make me smile ❣️
#worthywinners
Its my birthday & I've a wee dose of the
#birthdayblues
. Feeling older yet the promised wisdom that comes with age hasn't yet arrived. Probably lost in the post again! Now if the universe let me win the
#lotto
tonight, that would ease the burden
#justsaying
Thank you
@sundayworld
Lovely piece about today's announcement
@AnPostIBAS
Includes a gorgeous quote from
@joeliveline
Today has been a whirlwind. So grateful for all the support. Brian would be pretty chuffed too, somewhere out there he's raising a glass
It was a joy talking to
@PatKennyNT
this morning. I'm a lifelong fan, so was maybe a little over excited. He was a total gent, really enthusiastic about the book and it was a very enjoyable interview
#mystarstruckmoment
#AstheSmokeClears
Happy
#InternationalNursesDay2021
to all the angels in St James
#SJH
Nurses are the ones who dress our wounds, heal our pain, dry our tears & maybe some day soon will once again hold our hands too. Love to our pandemic champions ❤️
#nursesmakeallthedifference
Ok I'm aware I may sound like a loony toon but tonight I witnessed at least 5 shooting stars that moved in an erratic pattern in the skies over Wexford during a 5 min period. Like watching a pingball machine in the sky. Shooting stars, aliens or
#meteors
Talking to the fabulous
@ElaineVMTV
this afternoon about my book, grief & moving forward in life. Spent the last 2 hours changing dresses (they all look the same) applying makeup (enough is enough) & fiddling with my hair
#nervousenergy
#AstheSmokeClears