When news broke that Spain, Portugal, parts of Germany and France were without electricity, my heart sank. We were due to fly to Faro on the Wednesday for Orlaith and Mark’s wedding. Orlaith’s parents Breda and Michael Coleman are very close friends. Orlaith is not only a darling girl but is also an oncology nurse manager. Her professionalism is without question.

During my toughest chemotherapy, I had to give myself an injection into the tummy 24 hours after finishing treatment. I managed one or two. Then my side effects worsened. The act of sticking myself was beyond me. Orlaith had offered to do it. I felt a wimp. I rang her. “Any chance you could…” I didn’t need to say anymore. She finished the sentence for me saying “don’t be surprised if I’ve half my makeup done. I’ll be up between half eight and nine.” It was a Saturday morning and she was off somewhere with Mark.

Little kindnesses

In breezed Orlaith with fun oozing out of her. One side of her face was perfectly made up and the other was natural Orlaith. I laughed with her. The deed was over in two seconds and she was off again. I did feel a wimp for needing her. It was so good to have her just down the road. She came month after month. Little kindnesses make all the difference when you are feeling low.

I was thrilled to get her wedding invitation sometime last year and it was a real target to make Portugal. Luckily, by Wednesday morning, the power was back, the panic for the wedding party was over and we were on our way.

Little kindnesses make all the difference when you are feeling low

The weather in Albufeira was pleasant but not as hot as Ireland. We were travelling with two other great friends, Haulie and Eileen Geaney. We taxied to the VidaMar hotel, arriving in plenty time for breakfast. There we unwound and had a welcome rest day. There were lovely pools at the hotel. I was determined to have a swim. I approached the pool, put one foot in the water and immediately felt the freezing sting in my ankle bone. I returned to the other three assuring them that my urge to swim had been satisfied.

We were a distance out of town so we needed transport. After a bit of chat, I downloaded the Uber app. Eileen followed suit and we ‘Ubered’ to the wedding venue, into town for a stroll and nice meals and back again. We never waited longer than five minutes and it was typically shorter than that. What a service.

The wedding ceremony was held in the beautiful Monte Das Olivieras. The guests gathered on Friday afternoon. We had to dash for cover under a canopy when a shower came. The grass, leaves and flowers glistened afterwards in the sunshine.

The moment of the day was when we spotted Orlaith on the arm of her father, Michael, meandering through the splendid palms and mature olive trees.

Marriage ceremony

Orlaith, stunning in a wedding gown adorned with sparkling beads and carrying a bouquet of fresh white and cream roses drew a quick intake of breath from the guests. Joining Mark, the couple were welcomed by none other than Breda, Orlaith’s mother, who officiated over an intimate and special marriage ceremony.

Michael summed it all up handsomely in his father of the bride speech. His own wedding day was a special day. The birth of his children were exceptional days. Walking his only daughter up the country-style aisle on her wedding day topped everything.

Once again, we witnessed the rite of marriage as Mark Guiry and Orlaith Coleman made the public commitment to honour and love each other for the rest of their lives. The memories made are very precious.