'And looking back I thank God for her life with me. '

'And looking back I thank God for her life with me. '

Hugh Duncan reflects on his life from the present day. He is now 80 years old and lives in residentital care in Corkey House. He remembers his life with his wife, which was good despite their respective health problems. He describes his wife's death and reflects on their 51 years together. He is also thankful to his friend Dr. Bill Rowney, who looked after both Hugh and his wife over the years.

Hugh Duncan

Trinity College Dublin

2011

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Hugh Duncan

Reflections

Life Story

Belfast

2010s

I am now in residential care in Corkey House. At 80 years of age I look back over the years when in the early years of our marriage, Ann and I had our ups and downs with regard to our health. Things were going well and we had a son called Thomas.When Thomas was 6 years of age, Ann developed very severe asthma. Many times she needed hospital treatment. Later in her life she was diagnosed as having reactions with diabetes. It was discovered her kidneys were not functioning properly and was on dialysis after one year she had a massive stroke and died in the City hospital on 24/4/2004.Ann and I were married for 51 years and I can say she was a very brave and patient through all the sickness over 45 years. She is laid to rest in Carnmoney Cemetery and written on her gravestone is these words: Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ and till we meet again. And looking back I thank God for her life with me and I must mention Dr. Bill Rowney for the wonderful attention to both of us over such a long period of time. He has been a great friend as he reminded me that our friendship s 53 years. I have good cause to that God for such a caring person he is not forgetting Mavis his lovely wife.

Irish Research Council for Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (IRCHSS)

Dr Kathleen McTiernan (Trinity College Dublin)

Dr Deirdre O'Donnell (Trinity College Dublin)