The Stolen Years

This is the story of Debbie, a woman born into a family of fifteen children in Dublin, in the 1960s. Her story takes us through earliest memories: from a very difficult childhood in the family home, amusing tales concerning neighbours and friends, her days in homeless hostels, school days, family tragedies, abuse, neglect and the birth of her children.

Death, life and love are intertwined in this unique story: from the death of Debbie’s brothers to the especially sad and untimely death of her darling daughter and first baby girl, Tina, aged just eight years. Tina’s short life was one of remarkable courage, strength and laughter in the face of tragedy. Mary McAleese, who got to know Tina well during her term as President of Ireland (Uachtarán na hÉireann), recalls that "she had a wisdom born of suffering and a boundless faith in miracles."

Today, Debbie finds great comfort and solace in the spiritual world, where she keeps regular contact with Tina.

This book reveals a fighting spirit and a keen understanding of life in the face of adversity. It is a story that will serve as an inspiration to anyone who faces hardship and death. Strength of character and great wisdom illuminate each page. Debbie is a survivor and her story will amaze, stun, sadden and inspire all who read it.

Although Debbie often had to endure the absence of love at crucial times in her life, she is such a loving person and she understands that love is at the core of life itself. Even through death and sadness, love conquers all.