Sir, – Michael Harding’s column (April 22nd) and Ciaran MacGonigal’s letter (April 23rd) were food for the soul. My mum, Joan, passed away quite recently and Mr Harding’s comments resonate. Bereavement is very difficult, but when it is shared with significant others, friends and family it becomes a more manageable issue. I am involved in the issues Michael Harding mentions and I have no wish to dispel the memories of those we hold dear but I do want to encourage others to look at the issue of bereavement, expected and unexpected, involving young and old, in whatever circumstances, and accept the communal support that is a very important part of our culture. Ladies’ hats in men’s bags, I wish I had written it! Yours, etc,
CORMAC MEEHAN,
Main Street,
Bundoran,
Co Donegal