I was born in 1959, middle child of seven. A musical family. Dad a musician with a Music Shop. Mother ran our Chemist Shop as Dad was also a pharmacist. A small village by the sea, in north west Ireland. I am a midwife, working part time since my first born, 27 years ago. Three beautiful daughters from a marriage that lasted 23 years. I consider poetry a gift from my father, like music. I started writing poems after my marriage breakup, 8 years ago. I love the way it helps me express what's deep inside at times, and at other times the things that make me laugh out loud. Mother's gift was giving me the backing and the courage to break free from being emotionally abused in my unhappy marriage.