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Teamwork and relations concept. woman holding human paper chains at sunrise. People are connected. Concept of human role.  teamwork, family home, society, social network, and people

Foster Care: Navigating Complexities, Sensitivities, and Resilience. What I Learned in Writing My First Book Writing a book about life in foster care is an emotionally charged, multifaceted endeavour. It involved not only sharing personal experiences but also grappling with deeply ingrained societal misconceptions, raw emotions, and the challenge of balancing my semse of vulnerability with empowerment. The process can be profoundly therapeutic, but it also demands resilience, self-awareness, and a thoughtful approach to storytelling. In this blog, I'll explore some of the complexities and sensitivities of writing my debut book, with a focus on how resilience plays a crucial role in my life journey.Writing about foster care often requires revisiting painful or unresolved memories. It involves confronting feelings of abandonment, grief, and trauma, as well as moments of joy, hope, and connection. This duality can make the writing process both cathartic and overwhelming.Key Challenges Emotional Triggers: Delving into past experiences may unearth buried emotions, which can be difficult to process. Of course, I experienced this. Balancing Vulnerability: Authors must decide how much of their pain to share without compromising their emotional well-being. This is really tricky and you have to be mindful every time you sit down to write.&nbsp; Fear of Judgment: Writing about foster care can evoke anxiety about being misunderstood or stigmatised by readers who lack firsthand experience and I discussed this several times with my editorial team. Strategies to Navigate Emotions Therapeutic Writing: Journaling can serve as a precursor to writing the book, helping to process emotions in a private, judgment-free space. Support System: Engaging with trusted friends, therapists, or fellow writers who understand the foster care experience can provide emotional safety. Pacing the Process: Writing in small increments allows for reflection and emotional recovery. &nbsp; Addressing Societal Perceptions As I mentioned above, writing about foster care is not just a personal act; it is also a social one. The narrative you create has the potential to shape at least part of a public perception of the foster care system and its participants. So, there's a lot of responsibility on an author and I felt this throughout the book research and writing process. I found, for exmple, that some people hold simplistic or negative views about foster care, such as assuming all foster children are troubled or that the system is entirely broken. This is not the case.&nbsp; Society often seeks to assign blame—whether to biological parents, foster families, or the system itself—without understanding the complexities. And there are so, so many. By highlighting a range of experiences—both positive and negative—I tried to paint a more accurate picture of foster care. Sharing systemic insights and personal triumphs can inspire empathy and drive reform. &nbsp; Resilience as the Cornerstone Resilience is the thread that ties the foster care experience to the act of writing about it for me. For many who have experienced foster care, resilience is not just a trait but a much-needed survival mechanism. It provides the strength to confront the past and reclaim the narrative. Writing allowed me to reinterpret past events through a lens of growth and strength. I really hope that sharing my story can inspire resilience in others, particularly current or former foster youth who may feel isolated. One thing, I wanted from the very start of writing my book was to focus on moments of success and joy underscore the capacity for growth and healing. Finding the Right Tone Writing about foster care requires sensitivity not only toward your own experiences but also toward the people and systems involved. Striking the right tone can make your story impactful without alienating readers. Initial feedback is that I've managed to accompish this and I'm very grateful to my readers.&nbsp;The Power of Storytelling Ultimately, writing about foster care is an act of courage and advocacy. Your story has the power to shed light on an often-misunderstood system, challenge stereotypes, and inspire change. This is key to keep in mind. Through resilience, sensitivity, and authenticity, you can create a narrative that is not only transformative for yourself but also for your readers and the wider community. That's what makes me so proud of my first book.&nbsp;If you’ve experienced foster care and are considering writing a book about it, remember this: your voice matters. Your story has the potential to inspire hope, foster understanding, and drive meaningful change. And perhaps most importantly, it is a testament to the resilience that has carried you through—and will continue to guide you in the journey ahead.*Isabel Kelly is the author of 'Is-Abel. An Inspiring Story of Survival and Hope Through Northern Ireland’s Care System' published by ShadowScript Publications (2024).&nbsp;

Foster Care: Navigating Complexities, Sensitivities, and Resilience. What I Learned in Writing My First Book

Young thoughtful woman writing her notes and wishes during Christmas or New Year

<h2>The Challenges of Publishing During Christmas</h2>Publishing during Christmas comes with its own set of challenges. Many people are on holiday, which can lead to significant delays in communication. This can slow down the publishing process significantly. Moreover, the holiday season means many businesses and services operate on reduced hours which can affect printing, distribution, and other critical stages of publishing. It's important to plan ahead to avoid these issues. And we mean months in advance.&nbsp;<h3>Increased Competition</h3>The Christmas period is a very busy time for publishers. Many authors and publishers aim to release their books during this season and that includes us. This leads to increased competition and standing out in a crowded market can be difficult.Marketing efforts need to be more aggressive and strategic and publishers must find unique ways to capture the attention of potential readers. This could involve special promotions or holiday-themed events. As an example, we launched our most recent book on the 7th floor of a new building overlooking Galway Harbour. And take a look at the view!&nbsp;<figure id="figure-613mwskof9m48t95o4"><img id="613mwskof9m48t95o4" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/289Vy8lZ9SO9ltjIJwZC3MrVgJ5He6HZ4bnQnrDsuCQW599yoJ3G9pWbWDL9Vsx1.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/289Vy8lZ9SO9ltjIJwZC3MrVgJ5He6HZ4bnQnrDsuCQW599yoJ3G9pWbWDL9Vsx1.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>The Joys of Publishing During Christmas</h2>Despite the challenges, there are many joys to publishing during Christmas. One of the biggest advantages is the high demand for new books. People often buy books as gifts, leading to a huge spike in sales.Additionally, the festive season creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. This can enhance the reading experience for many people. It's a time when families come together, and sharing a good book can be a part of that tradition.<figure id="figure-5wmw5uka7lm48t57cc"><img id="5wmw5uka7lm48t57cc" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/26o07qSXAMUKL841LB9ObAdbzCLIMh6qmpVqmsgq2sNIhvSo3yBfHZg624B2ZimV.jpeg" alt="family-reading" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/26o07qSXAMUKL841LB9ObAdbzCLIMh6qmpVqmsgq2sNIhvSo3yBfHZg624B2ZimV.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>Engaging with Readers</h3>Christmas provides a unique opportunity to engage with readers. Publishers can organise book signings, readings, and other events. These events can foster a sense of community and connection between authors and readers.Social media also plays a crucial role during this time. Publishers can use platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Twitter to share holiday-themed content. This can help to build excitement and anticipation for new releases.<figure id="figure-54jrlwxe5lm48tbk1r"><img id="54jrlwxe5lm48tbk1r" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/dK2vYGyj5au7Ei3JnV9utjcySxTyqrMqamB7ep13q8a7T6gQBRuaGVkOZg33Fj5P.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/dK2vYGyj5au7Ei3JnV9utjcySxTyqrMqamB7ep13q8a7T6gQBRuaGVkOZg33Fj5P.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>Planning for Success</h2>To navigate the challenges and enjoy the benefits of publishing during Christmas, careful planning is essential. Start the publishing process early to account for any potential delays. This includes everything from editing and design to printing and distribution.Collaborate closely with all parties involved to ensure smooth communication. This will help to avoid any last-minute issues. Planning ahead will make the publishing process more manageable and enjoyable.<figure id="figure-vc791rcvbm48t5dpi"><img id="vc791rcvbm48t5dpi" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/bZzCcBtGl7SIm0yNRePDlNtoWBQHvWlvC2zIxtLWXaSLLMtU4v5ttG8LnaC4QIpf.jpg" alt="planning-desk" title="planning-desk" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="null" data-positionY="null" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>In conclusion, publishing during Christmas can be both challenging and rewarding. With proper planning and strategic marketing, it is possible to overcome the challenges and enjoy the joys of this festive season.

The Challenges and Joys of Publishing During Christmas

Two hikers walking along a mountain ridge route, the sun on the blue sky

From the bestselling book, 'Mind Over Mountains' by Mairtín Óg McDonagh (Book Hub Publishing, 2022). How Sport Shaped a Life: Máirtín Óg's Journey of Resilience, Leadership and Self-Discovery. The book explores how Máirtín Óg’s deep and varied involvement in sports profoundly shaped his life, instilling in him values, skills, and a mindset that proved invaluable in navigating both personal and professional challenges. His sporting journey, starting from his childhood in Connemara, is portrayed as a continuous thread weaving through his life, influencing his character, shaping his approach to leadership, and contributing to his resilience in the face of adversity. Early Lessons in Resilience and Teamwork Máirtín Óg’s engagement with sport began at a young age, providing a structured environment that instilled discipline, resilience, and a strong work ethic. He captained his school’s Gaelic football team and participated in various sports like boxing, athletics, and even competitive rowing with his father and brothers. This early exposure to teamwork and competition taught him the importance of dedication, perseverance, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. He reflects on this period, stating, "In my own experience my involvement in sport from a very early age curtailed my aggression and rebellion." Sport provided him with an outlet for his energy and a framework for developing essential life skills. Leadership Forged on the Field Máirtín Óg's natural leadership abilities were evident from a young age. As captain of various teams, he learned to lead by example, inspiring and motivating his teammates through his own commitment and performance. This experience transitioned seamlessly into his adult life, where he excelled as a coach and manager for his local GAA club. He found deep satisfaction in mentoring players, not just in honing their athletic skills, but also in helping them navigate personal challenges that might hinder their performance. This holistic approach foreshadowed his future career as a life coach, where he draws upon his experience as a leader and mentor to guide others. Embracing Challenges, Embracing Growth Máirtín Óg's athletic pursuits extended beyond team sports. He embraced individual challenges like long-distance cycling and mountaineering, pushing his physical and mental limits in extreme environments. These experiences honed his resilience, teaching him to embrace discomfort and persevere in the face of adversity. He learned to set ambitious goals, break them down into manageable steps, and celebrate every milestone along the way. This mindset of continuous growth and self-improvement, cultivated through his sporting endeavours, equipped him to face the daunting challenges he encountered later in life, particularly during and after the financial crisis which he writes about in considerable detail. Finding Strength in the Face of Adversity Máirtín Óg's involvement in sports provided him with a robust framework for coping with setbacks and navigating life's inevitable challenges. He learned that failure is not an endpoint but an opportunity for growth and learning. He reflects on this, stating, "Being involved in sport I believe is a big advantage in this area of resilience. At an early age you learn how to be a team player and the ethos of trying to be part of a successful team." This resilience, forged through years of training, competition, and pushing his limits, proved invaluable during the financial crisis and its aftermath. It enabled him to pick himself up after devastating losses, re-evaluate his priorities, and find the strength to rebuild his life. Parallels Between Sport and Life The book highlights the striking parallels Máirtín Óg draws between the lessons learned through sport and the challenges faced in everyday life. He uses anecdotes from his sporting experiences to illustrate key concepts in his life coaching, such as the importance of mindset, resilience, goal setting, and teamwork. He views sport as a powerful metaphor for life, emphasising that the skills and mental fortitude developed on the field translate seamlessly into navigating personal and professional obstacles. He sums up this connection by stating, "In many ways sport and life are very similar. You learn to be a leader or a follower. You learn that mistakes happen and how to overcome them." Máirtín Óg's involvement in sport is presented not merely as a pastime but as a formative experience that deeply shaped his character and worldview. The values, skills, and mindset he cultivated through athletics became the bedrock of his resilience, his approach to leadership, and his ability to navigate the complexities of life, particularly during times of profound adversity. His story serves as a testament to the transformative power of sport, demonstrating its capacity to instill invaluable life lessons that extend far beyond the playing field.-Harry Hickey, November 2024. 'Mind Over Mountains' is available from <a href="http://www.mindovermountains.ie" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">www.mindovermountains.ie﻿</a> and selected bookstores nationwide.

From the bestselling book, 'Mind Over Mountains' by Máirtín Óg McDonagh (Book Hub Publishing, 2022).

From: 'An Appraisal of Attitudes to the Environmental and Chemical Hazards of Plastic Food Packaging', Anne Hayden MSc. Chapter 1 Introduction "Plastic food wrapping is a fast growing industry, both in Ireland and abroad. This project reviews previous research conducted and engages research on the current attitudes of both consumers and industry on plastic food wrapping. The plastic wrapping that is used for food wrapping is a low-density polyethylene (LDPE). There are advantages of using plastic food wrapping as it prevents tampering, maintains freshness, enhances marketing and extends shelf life. The disadvantages are that food may become contaminated by the additives in plastic food packaging. This project focuses on analysing the food industries and consumers’ perceptions when supplying and purchasing food products wrapped in LDPE from the information gathered in the questionnaires and the elite interview. Waste from food packaging is a growing problem (Hawkins, 2012). The issue of food waste cannot be addressed alone without examining the increasing use of plastic food packaging (Hawkins, 2012). Food protection with packaging is important, but a balance must be emphasised between effective food packaging and the environmental and chemical hazards of plastic food packaging (Hawkins, 2012).<figure id="figure-ans94vn7gm3x8jr1n"><img id="ans94vn7gm3x8jr1n" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/36o4JILlrsBgyoW79nWujc8eg1tw67W5j7oxkO8imXyDPxGMK5PB5qWrsoGtsYRI.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/36o4JILlrsBgyoW79nWujc8eg1tw67W5j7oxkO8imXyDPxGMK5PB5qWrsoGtsYRI.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> The use of plastic food packaging has increased in recent years, and this is leading to major waste management problems (Hawkins, 2012). Food packaging helps to maintain the quality, safe delivery, preservation and the prevention of contamination of food products (Robertson, 2010). There are health concerns associated with plastic food wrapping, and yet the use of plastic food packaging has increased in recent years (Bugusu &amp; Marsh, 2007)..."Plastic food packaging consists of LDPE and is commonly referred to as wrapping film (Hitchcock, 2000). The plastic wrapping market was estimated to be worth $4.65 billion in 2015 and $10.6 billion by 2020 to the world economy, with a 45% share of the total market in Europe (Research and Markets, 2015). Food products deteriorate from the farm to the consumer due to the physical, chemical and biological changes (Han, 2014). The quality and safety of food products has improved due to food packaging and their extended shelf life (Han, 2014).&nbsp; Food packaging is a marketing tool for food products as it benefits marketing with improved packaging and design (Han, 2014). Marketing increases sales as consumers are attracted to the products that have labels containing details about the product source, ingredients, expiry date, nutritional value and net weight(Bugusu &amp; Marsh, 2007). Plastic food packaging has advantages for the food producers as products can be sold all over Ireland, Europe and the world by extending the shelf life and maintaining the freshness of the food products (Bugusu &amp; Marsh, 2007).<figure id="figure-j0vtmjxt1m3x8kcgv"><img id="j0vtmjxt1m3x8kcgv" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/13GPRDAaXG1A7CFiwRNnlm7l95Cq4LaBqezsYxhrnS0kRCRj57iBV0qSzIHIgDMa.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure> Plastic food packaging has environmental and chemical hazards. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is widely used in food packaging as it is a low-cost material and has many advantages that benefit the suppliers and consumers of food, such as different sizes and shapes, products are visible and hygienically protected (Bugusu &amp; Marsh, 2007). LDPE is derived from the "chemical process for developed synthetic polymers (plastics)" (Kumar Sen &amp; Raut, 2015). LDPE is manufactured by the polyaddition of monomer units where molecules link with double or treble carbon bonds to form a large molecule. LDPE is mass-produced all over the world as it is easy to seal, strong, transparent and moisture resistant (Bugusu &amp; Marsh, 2007). The food- producing companies use this plastic for food wrapping when supplying products to retail outlets also, such as chicken, apples, ham, salads, beef and bacon. &nbsp; All types of plastic have a resin code and the most common plastic packaging for food products is the #4 resin code referred to as LDPE (Bugusu &amp; Marsh, 2007). The resin codes range from #1 to #7 and this helps with the recycling process as the resin types have to be separated (Bugusu &amp; Marsh, 2007). There are many benefits of using plastic food packaging and disadvantages, which have negative effects on the consumer as the additives from the plastic food packaging can be absorbed into the food (Bugusu &amp; Marsh, 2007). The environmental impact of &nbsp;the manufacturing of plastic wrapping creates by-products, emissions and the issue of the disposal of the food packaging waste (Lindh, Olsson &amp; Williams, 2016).&nbsp; From the 1st January 2016, the EU has issued new food plastic regulations (FSAI, 2016) and all plastic which has contact with food must be tested in order to determine that "the migration of substances is within the specified or overall migration limits" so as to ensure that no harmful chemicals are released into the food (FSAI, 2016). All food contact materials must be tested under the EU Food Stimulant Regulation (EC No 10/2011). This new regulation is more stringent than previous directives as it now tests dry foods as well as liquid foods. In Ireland, the EU Food Stimulant Regulation is enforced by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland along with the National Standards Authority of Ireland (FSAI, 2016). &nbsp;*'An Appraisal of Attitudes to the Environmental and Chemical Hazards of Plastic Food Packaging', by Anne Hayden MSc is available to purchase from Amazon.&nbsp;

'An Appraisal of Attitudes to the Environmental and Chemical Hazards of Plastic Food Packaging', Anne Hayden MSc.

Close up of man picking apples during autumn harvest in the orchard.

A blog on sensitivities and ethics in Geraldine Lavelle's forthcoming book on Living with a Spinal Injury, 'When The Apple Is Ripe It Will Fall'. (ShadowScript Publications, 2025).<figure id="figure-f475rx71sum3x31s18"><img id="f475rx71sum3x31s18" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/39n9dyxnTeIZ1NHy9CWppRywaasz1msro4uD2vzKHGlkfr3q5pjb2pXU0hY3s8HV.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/39n9dyxnTeIZ1NHy9CWppRywaasz1msro4uD2vzKHGlkfr3q5pjb2pXU0hY3s8HV.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> Editing and ghostwriting any book requires a fine balance of skill, empathy, and professionalism. Still, the stakes are even higher when the subject involves deeply personal experiences—such as living with a spinal injury. Recently, we had the privilege of contributing to Geraldine Lavelle’s forthcoming book, a powerful exploration of her life and resilience after sustaining a spinal injury. This journey has taught us invaluable lessons about navigating the delicate responsibilities of assisting in telling someone else's story. From the outset, it was clear that Geraldine's book is more than just a memoir—it’s a message of hope, awareness, and advocacy. It aims to educate readers about the realities of living with a spinal injury while breaking down stereotypes and fostering empathy. This dual purpose set the tone for how we approached our role with Geraldine, ensuring that her voice remained authentic and her experiences were treated with dignity and respect. One of the core principles of ghostwriting is to let the author’s voice shine through, and this is particularly important when dealing with sensitive topics. Every person’s journey with disability is unique, and we took great care to ensure that Geraldine’s perspective wasn’t filtered or diluted. Whether describing the physical challenges of her injury or the emotional highs and lows of her ongoing recovery, our task was to amplify her voice, not overshadow it with ours.<figure id="figure-nx525pilym3x32gp0"><img id="nx525pilym3x32gp0" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2099124803/photo/red-apple-on-white-background.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=-wG67zQkz49oqPmucblEHvDgZpPOsNJ1P1Gre7brfMA=" alt="Red apple on white background." title="Red apple on white background." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2099124803/photo/red-apple-on-white-background.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=-wG67zQkz49oqPmucblEHvDgZpPOsNJ1P1Gre7brfMA=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure> We worked closely with Geraldine to capture the nuances of her tone, word choice, and storytelling style. This collaboration allowed us to translate her spoken words into text that felt natural, maintaining the honesty and emotion central to her narrative. Writing about trauma requires a delicate touch. On one hand, it’s essential to be truthful and transparent about the challenges faced by the author. On the other, the writing must avoid sensationalism or an overly clinical tone. Geraldine’s experiences were often harrowing, and we had to find ways to help in presenting these moments with the gravity they deserved while also celebrating her resilience and the support systems that helped her along the way. In crafting the narrative, we kept the potential audience in mind: including individuals with spinal injuries, their loved ones, medical and health professionals, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the subject. By balancing honesty with hope, the book seeks to inspire without trivialising the difficulties involved. As a team who do not live with a spinal injury, we were acutely aware of the risk of projecting assumptions or biases onto the story and my edits. This meant asking questions and writing notes in the margins rather than making assumptions and prioritising Geraldine’s lived reality.<figure id="figure-pz4uaxyw0znm3x33m8b"><img id="pz4uaxyw0znm3x33m8b" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1304915190/photo/white-mail-envelope-with-red-marker-message-on-blue-background.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=Ifqykgxhtwmlwsy-jKPwNnj1VBCZyXlapTrhgtHDIl0=" alt="White mail envelope with red marker message on blue background" title="White mail envelope with red marker message on blue background" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure> Helping someone unpack their life story—particularly one marked by trauma—requires emotional intelligence. There were moments during the writing when Geraldine revisited painful memories. The role of the review team was to provide a safe space for these reflections, to listen without judgment, and to pause the writing process when it became overwhelming for her. The writing timeline remained flexible, ensuring her well-being was prioritised over deadlines. This is important when working with any author, and in this case we pushed out the deadline by a couple of months to allow for a period of reflection. One of Geraldine’s goals for the book was to create a narrative that would resonate not only with people who share similar experiences but also with a broader audience. This meant focusing on universal themes such as resilience, self-discovery, and the power of community, while also diving into the specific challenges of living with a spinal injury. By blending her personal anecdotes with insights about accessibility, mental health, and societal attitudes toward disability, the book aims to bridge the gap between lived experience and public understanding. Working on this book has been both humbling and rewarding. It has underscored the importance of listening, learning, and respecting someone else’s story. Geraldine’s courage, candour, and humour shine through in every chapter, making this not just a book about spinal injuries, but a testament to human strength and adaptability. Editing Geraldine Lavelle’s book has been a reminder of the transformative power of storytelling. It’s a story that needs to be told, not just for Geraldine, but for everyone navigating life with a spinal injury and for those who wish to better understand their journey. The experience has reinforced our team's belief that ethical storytelling, especially when dealing with sensitive subjects, can foster connection, empathy, and change.

When The Apple Is Ripe, It Will Fall

Mockup wall in the children's room on white wall background,Scandinavian style children room

What’s in a Name? The Emotional Weight of Identity in Childhood &nbsp; Names are more than mere labels; they are imbued with meaning, tied to identity, belonging, and personal history. For many, their name is a gift from family—a thread linking them to their heritage and loved ones. But what happens when the sanctity of a name is mishandled, altered, or dismissed? In her deeply moving memoir, *IS-Abel: An Inspiring Story of Survival and Hope Through Northern Ireland’s Care System*, Isabel Kelly shares how the simple misspelling of her name created a ripple effect on her identity, forcing her to navigate feelings of loss and disconnection while ultimately reclaiming her sense of self. &nbsp; The Importance of a Name From the moment of birth, names become central to our identity. They are often chosen with love and care, reflecting cultural traditions, familial ties, or aspirations for the child’s future. For Isabel, her given name was "Isobel," a cherished connection to her biological family. It was more than a name—it was a link to her grandmother and great-grandmother, both named Isobella. However, the first cracks in that connection appeared when she discovered, aged fourteen, that her passport spelled her name as "Isabel." &nbsp; This discrepancy might seem minor to some, but for Isabel, it was devastating. The correct spelling of her name had been a constant in her tumultuous early life—a symbol of stability in a world of upheaval. The discovery raised uncomfortable questions: Did her biological parents ever care enough to notice this mistake? Did the nuns and social workers responsible for her care not see the importance of something so simple, yet so significant? Her reflections highlight how even small administrative oversights can have profound emotional consequences for children in care. &nbsp; A Loss of Identity For children in foster care or institutional systems, identity is often a fragile construct. Isabel’s experience exemplifies how easily that fragility can be exacerbated. She learned later in life that her name’s incorrect spelling was likely due to a verbal error during her admission into care. A staff member’s phonetic guess became her official name on record, shaping how the world saw her for decades. &nbsp; This seemingly trivial mistake carried enormous weight. Isabel recalls the pain of having to correct doctors, teachers, and other authority figures about her name, each correction a reminder of her lack of control over her identity. In a system that too often dehumanises children, reducing them to case files and statistics, such errors strip away the personal connection that every child deserves.&nbsp; &nbsp; Her struggle with the incorrect spelling of her name mirrored her broader battle to find belonging and recognition. At a young age, Isabel began quietly changing the spelling to "Isabel" in her everyday life, a subtle act of rebellion and self-determination. Yet, the lingering sense of having been let down by the very people tasked with her care was hard to shake. &nbsp; The Emotional Weight of Names in Childhood Isabel’s story illuminates a larger truth: small details can profoundly affect a child's sense of self-worth. The correct spelling of her name might have been a tiny matter for the care workers and nuns responsible for her, but for Isabel, it was deeply personal. It symbolised her connection to a family she was separated from, a link to the mother she yearned to understand, and an anchor in a life that often felt adrift. &nbsp; In her memoir, Isabel reflects on the Sisters of Nazareth’s response when she eventually sought clarity. Their explanation—that children often entered care without proper documentation—highlighted systemic failings. It wasn’t just her name that was mishandled; it was her identity, her history, and her individuality. &nbsp; This lack of attention to personal details reflects a broader issue in care systems worldwide. Children in such environments often feel invisible, their unique needs and identities overshadowed by the logistical demands of the system. Isabel’s story serves as a poignant reminder that the "small" things—like spelling a name correctly—can make a world of difference in how a child sees themselves and their place in the world. &nbsp; Reclaiming Identity As an adult, Isabel took control of her narrative. Reclaiming her name was part of a broader journey of self-discovery and healing. In her forties, she wrote to the Sisters of Nazareth to understand why her name was misspelt, determined to confront the errors of the past. This act was emblematic of her resilience—an effort to untangle the mistakes that had shaped her childhood and redefine her identity on her terms. &nbsp; Through her perseverance, Isabel found strength in embracing her name and its legacy, even as she carried the scars of those early missteps. Her story is a testament to the importance of empowering children in care to claim their identities, no matter how fragmented their histories may feel. &nbsp; Why Details Matter Isabel’s journey underscores a critical takeaway: the small details matter. Whether it’s spelling a name correctly, listening to a child’s preferences, or acknowledging their unique heritage, these actions affirm their value as individuals. For children in care, who often face a profound sense of loss and invisibility, such gestures can foster belonging, stability, and hope. &nbsp; As a society, we have a responsibility to ensure that children’s identities are honoured, particularly in systems designed to protect them. Isabel’s story challenges us to reflect on how we can do better—how we can move beyond bureaucratic efficiency to truly see and support the children in our care. &nbsp; Conclusion For Isabel Kelly, reclaiming her name was about more than correcting a clerical error. It was about reclaiming her voice, her history, and her place in the world. Her journey reminds us that identity is not a luxury but a fundamental right. Names carry stories, connections, and dreams. For children in care, ensuring that those names are respected and preserved is not just a matter of accuracy—it is an act of humanity.&nbsp; &nbsp; *'IS-Abel: An Inspiring Story of Survival and Hope Through Northern Ireland’s Care System' is available to purchase on Amazon. &nbsp;

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