Show Notes
In this deeply moving episode of Dads Don’t Cry, host Peter is joined by Lynda, Róisín’s mam and co-founder of Fairy Footprints, to share her powerful story of love, loss, and resilience.
Lynda reflects on her early journey into motherhood, including the heartbreak of miscarriage before the joy of welcoming her daughter, Róisín. She paints a vivid picture of Róisín’s bright, spirited personality and the devastating day her life was suddenly cut short.
The conversation explores the immediate aftermath of Róisín’s passing, navigating the hospital, facing the unimaginable task of returning home, and telling her son Killian that his sister was gone. Lynda speaks candidly about the rawness of grief, the silence that often surrounds it, and the struggle to find ways to cope.
She shares how her family honours Róisín, and the small signs that brought comfort in the darkest moments. Lynda also opens up about subsequent miscarriages, the birth of her daughter Anna, and the difficult but important conversations about Róisín that continue within their family.
As her family grew with the arrival of Brody, Lynda reflects on the evolving dynamics of grief, love, and parenting after loss. A key part of her journey has been transforming pain into purpose; creating memory boxes and advocating for better hospital bereavement support through the Fairy Footprints initiative.
Throughout the episode, Lynda highlights the importance of supporting grieving siblings, keeping Róisín’s memory alive, and building a lasting legacy that helps other families facing similar heartbreak.
The episode closes with a discussion on how others can support Fairy Footprints and contribute to a more compassionate approach to grief and loss.
More from Dads Don't Cry
In this episode, host Peter is joined by Nina to share the story of her son Enzo, who passed away from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Nina opens up about the morning she lost Enzo, the shock and guilt that followed, and the six-month wait for answers. She speaks honestly about grieving while living in a hub, navigating pregnancy after loss, and supporting Enzo’s older brother through the heartbreak of losing his little brother. Nina also shares the beautiful ways she keeps Enzo’s memory alive, from his colourful funeral to the special meaning behind his fox symbol and her connection with the Little Duck Foundation. Above all, this is a conversation about Enzo himself, his laugh, his personality, and the love that will always remain. This is Enzo’s story, told by the mum who will never stop carrying him in her heart. #DadsDontCry #SIDS #BabyLoss #ChildLoss
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