WISDOM OF THE WORLD - WEEK 31

DEATH IS NOTHING AT ALL

I have only slipped away into the next room.
I am I and you are you: whatever we were to each other, that we still are.
Call me by my old familiar name; speak to me in the easy way, which you always used.
Put no difference into your tone; wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.
Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
Let my name be forever the same as it always was.
Let it be spoken without an effort, without the ghost of a shadow on it.
Life means more than it ever meant.
It is the same as it always was: there is absolutely unbroken continuity.
I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner…. All is well.

Canon Scott Holland

5 MINUTES WITH - GEVEVIEVE MCGUINNESS

Genevieve McGuinness lives in Buncrana and is a full time mum to her three children, Naoise, Caolan and Tegan. Over the last few years, she finished her degree in textiles and exhibits her work with the Inishowen Artists Project. She is one of many volunteers working in the new art shop located next to Sean Fureys in Buncrana. It is showcasing a varied range of artists’ work from across the peninsula. The artists are keen to acknowledge Sarah McLaughlin, daughter of Liam (The Poet) McLaughlin from the town who is kindly letting the shop out rent free. Genevieve’s work includes printing, dying and stitching but she also loves to create beautiful wedding invitation cards. She can be contacted on 086 0637967


What music do you like?
I enjoy easy listening music, such as Snow Patrol. It fits in better with the hectic lifestyle of looking after my three children. After saying that I tend to listen to a lot of children’s story tapes. We have one about a pirate that we have listened to quite a few times.

What would you never throw away?
I am a bit of a hoarder and tend to hang on to everything; you never know when you might want something for an art project. The day I throw it out is the day I want it. Seamus reckons I ought to throw things out after three months if they are not used. I could never do that.

What book are you reading?
Dan Brown – Angels and Demons. The story is the prequel to the DaVinci code and takes place about a year before the events in his best selling novel. It’s an exciting read.

What was your favourite childhood game?
We called it 2 Ball. I am not sure if there is another name for it. We would throw a tennis ball against a wall and sing songs as we caught it. I tried to teach my girls how to do it but they weren’t interested. It probably wasn’t exciting enough for them.

Have you been to the cinema recently, what did you see and was it any good?
It is matinee films for me. The children and I went to see Wall-E. It’s a great film and good fun for all of the family.

What section of the newspaper do you turn to first?
I flick and read whatever catches my eye. I tend to avoid the sports pages though…

What is your idea of a good night out?
Having great craic with friends and family, and a bottle of wine or two.

Most embarrassing moment of your life?
I am always embarrassing myself. I can be very scatty and don’t stop talking; my brothers are always taking the hand out of me.

Have you a favourite TV programme?
I enjoy Prison Break and Home and Away. There is always an over the top dramatic scene to look at. In the daytime I might catch a glimpse of Dr Phil giving advice to members of the public, I might catch the odd bit of wisdom over the noise of the kids.

How do you relax?
God- how do you relax? I am always on the go with the three children.

What job did you want to do when you were a child?
I always wanted to be a fashion designer. My mammy still has a report card from school. The report says that I want to be a fashion designer and live in a little house in the country…I am happy in textile design and being an artist, but would still love the house in the country…

Where would you like to go for your holidays?
I would like to go to places with beautiful imagery, so there are lots of places. Venice or India would be nice.

Your idea of heaven?
Spending time with my children. I love it when we are being silly and doing lots of giggling.

What famous people would you invite around for dinner and why?
The fashion designer Vivienne Westwood. She was largely responsible for bringing modern punk and new wave fashions to the masses. Dr Phil could pop in to tell us where we are going wrong.

Favourite animal?
I love giraffes…. they are so graceful.

What couldn’t you live without?
I would be lost without two things - my art materials, paper, dyes, waxes, crayons and pencils and of course my children.

Biggest fear?
It’s quite irrational really but I am terrified of wasps. I was stung on the neck as a child and remember the lump that grew afterwards. I have been known to run away screaming when one comes near me, leaving young children to tend for themselves!

Biggest thrill?
I love roller coasters; it’s great adrenalin rush. I quite fancy bungee jumping.

The world’s most irritating invention?
The doorbell. It always rings at the most inconvenient time.

What is your idea of a good night in?
Me, Seamus and something crappy on TV.

Do you have a hobby?
Art is my hobby, I find it really relaxing.

World’s most useful invention?
Nappies. It’s not very environmentally sound, but I don’t fancy washing and hanging up terry towels, especially in winter.

What do you have for breakfast?
Yoghurt, fruit and museli washed down with some fruit juice. I do like an egg at the weekend, usually scrambled.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
The best bit of advice I had was “Give up the fags”. I am not into pessimism so I don’t bother listening to negative advice.

Personal philosophy?
Don’t look back – look forward.

ASK THE EXPERTS

We can tackle most of life’s challenges when it comes to everyday issues like cooking or cleaning the house and every-one has skills and abilities whether they are in a sport or in computers. However, there are times when we need the services of skilled professionals. These are people who have undergone long training programmes to get the expertise needed for a particular field. With qualifications and practice under their belt, these experts have the experience to give a top quality service. So if you need professional help, local experts are ready to answer your questions.

POINT 2 POINT - KEEPING YOUR COMPUTER HEALTHY

Point 2 Point based on the Cockhill Road in Buncrana supply and service computer systems all over the peninsula and over the ten years they have been in business have built up a reputation for delivering a high quality service to businesses and individuals. Computers do slow down with everyday use and in a work environment, this could cause unnecessary stress to the user as well as losing valuable time and money waiting for programmes to start up. Like most machines, computers need to regularly maintained to ensure that they are working to their top

performance. We can do our bit by making sure they are switched on and off properly and that virus controls are in place when surfing on the Internet. However, there are features that it isn’t advisable to mess with, particularly the memory, and if your company relies on computers for its livelihood it makes sense to get in the experts. Phone Point 2 Point today and see what a difference their expertise will make to you, your computer, and your mood.


MacBRIDE CONAGHAN SOLICITORS – CONFIDENTIAL ADVICE AND LEGAL REPRESENTATION

Legal issues can effect ourselves or our families at some time in our lives. Whether it is simply making a will or passing on a family farm, MacBride Conagahans on the Malin Rd in Moville provide confidential advice and legal representation. This year MacBride Conaghans are celebrating over a decade in practice and in that time have seen a growth in the need for legal services locally. They have a lot of experience in a wide range of legal fields including road traffic and public order offences, family law, buying and selling properties, re-mortgaging and accident and employment claims. They can also provide help with the District Court and they are a member of the Private Legal Aid Panel. If you need professional legal advice, in full confidence, make MacBride Conaghan your first stop.


JEFF MacLAUGHLIN-LOOKING AFTER YOUR EYES

The optician Jeff McLaughlin on Chapel Street The Diamond Carndonagh knows how important good eye care is. You only have one pair of eyes. Once lost, your eyesight may never be replaced. Unlike your teeth, your eyes do not usually hurt when there is something wrong and it takes a professional to spot deterioration in the eyes. An eye test from a professional optician, such as Jeff MacLauglin, could pick up conditions such as glaucoma. The earlier a problem is detected the greater the chance of successful treatment. This is particularly true for young children and the elderly.

An examination also checks whether your eyesight needs correcting with spectacles and determines the best form of correction for your vision. For young people, good eyesight is vital for learning. An eye examination will detect any problems in sight, which may be affecting school performance. Failing eyesight is often taken for granted as people get older. However, by having an eye examination and remedying problems in eyesight, older people can improve their quality of life significantly. Poor eyesight is dangerous. An eye test ensures that you meet the legal requirement for driving. An eye examination is a vital health check and should be part of everyone’s normal health regime. So make it a priority to book an eye test.

CARE IN THE COMMUNITY

The reasons people volunteer are as rich and varied as the people themselves.

Whatever you're going through, whether it's big or small, don't bottle it up. The Samaritans are there for you

Many local families have been moved by the care of the Foyle Hospice where each person is treated with dignity, respect and compassion.

Donegal Action for Cancer Care want a health system that is there when you need it, that is fair and trustworthy.

ACCORD have professionally trained counsellors available to facilitate couples and individuals to explore, reflect upon and resolve difficulties in their marriage and relationship.





CARE IN THE COMMUNITY

One of the great things about living in Inishowen, is being part of a community. It is a safe place to bring up children, and we all belong to a society where we look out for each other. Many local people also have taken that extra step and have become involved in volunteering, working with a local organisation, to make a difference or get a need met. These are ordinary people giving their time and energy to provide services and meet local needs, such as helping out with a local football team or checking in on elderly neighbours.


Donegal Volunteer Centre
The Donegal Volunteer Centre operates a “One Stop Shop” for volunteering activity in Donegal. It has loads of volunteering opportunities available from youth work to support and advocacy, to administration and working with animals, and even being part of a mountain rescue team. Volunteering is a unique expression of active citizenship and it benefits the volunteer as well as the recipient. It helps people to fulfill their potential, while contributing to positive social and environmental change. The reasons people volunteer are as rich and varied as the people themselves and can include; wanting to give something back to the community, being asked to volunteer by a friend or neighbour, wanting to get more involved in the community, to build up experience that will help in getting paid employment, to build up self esteem and confidence and having a passion or belief around a particular issue.

The Donegal Volunteer Centre provides information and advice to people who are interested in volunteering as well as to organisations looking for volunteers. Donegal Volunteer Centre advertises volunteering vacancies, advises people on their volunteering options and helps organisations support their volunteers.

The service is free and confidential and is funded by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs. For further information, please contact Sandra or Colleen on 074 91226740 or visit the website: http://www.volunteerdonegal.ie/

THE FOYLE HOSPICE
Many local families have been moved by the care of the Foyle Hospice where each person is treated with dignity, respect and compassion irrespective of their cultural or religious background. Their services include inpatient care, homecare, daycare, bereavement support and 24 hour telephone advice. The philosophy of the hospice means they are committed to providing the best quality of life for their patients with special emphasis on expert pain relief and symptom control. They combine excellent nursing and medical care with holistic support that recognises practical, emotional, social and spiritual needs and they respect the patient’s autonomy and support the family throughout the illness and bereavement.
Because all of the hospice services are free of charge to patients and their families, the hospice is always looking for ways to raise funds to continue their much needed and appreciated work. These include running marathons, weekly draws, and various fundraising events. The latest challenge is a three day West Highland Trek including climbing Ben Nevis next May. For further details contact Ciaran McGinley on 048 71359888

SAMARITANS
The Samaritans provide confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those, which could lead to suicide.
Whatever you're going through, whether it's big or small, don't bottle it up. The Samaritans are there for you if you're worried about something, feel upset or confused, or just want to talk to someone. You can contact the Samaritans by phone, email, letter and, in some centres, face to face. Common reasons to call Samaritans include; Relationship and family problems, loss, including the loss of a job, a friend or a family member through bereavement, financial worries, job-related stress or overwork, college or study related stress and body image issues. You can contact the Samaritans on 074 9120999 or 04871 265511

DONEGAL ACTION FOR CANCER CARE
The Donegal Action for Cancer Care (D.A.C.C.) campaigns for health services for the people of Donegal. They want to see a health system that supports and empowers you, your family and community to achieve your full health potential. They want a health system that is there when you need it, that is fair and trustworthy and that encourages you to have your say, listens to you, and ensures that your views are taken into account. They have recently launched a major campaign to retain a vital pre-cancer service at Letterkenny General Hospital. The colposcopy service prevents cervical cancer by detecting pre-cancerous lesions early and treating them. Approximately 700 women avail of this service annually. According to D.A.C.C., this service actually generates income for the budget of Letterkenny General Hospital and they are campaigning for this vital cancer service to be restored. For more details, see their web site – http://www.dacc.ie/

ACCORD
ACCORD has two local branches of the Catholic Marriage Care Service, located in Carndonagh and Derry. ACCORD provides different services to help marriages grow and thrive.

Marriage Preparation Courses
Before the big day comes, why not take time out to honour each other and your commitment and attend an ACCORD Marriage Preparation Programme. This course emphasizes the needs of the couple, allowing time to explore the relationship, the unique partnership and gives time to celebrate this commitment to each other. Courses are run locally and can help the couple understand each other better.

Fertility and Wellbeing
Planning a family carries much responsibility along with joy and, sometimes, great disappointment for a couple. The process of the couple gathering information and knowledge about their fertility can be very enlightening and satisfying. ACCORD provides an educational service, offering instruction / counselling in Fertility Awareness and Natural Family Planning (NFP) for women and couples.

Relationship Counselling
ACCORD have professionally trained counsellors available to facilitate couples and individuals to explore, reflect upon and resolve difficulties in their marriage and relationship. The service is totally confidential the service facilitates you to clarify your particular situation, to express your thoughts and feelings and explore new options and agree a course of action.