Carol Bissett (18), from Ringsend, exuded a quiet charm while also relishing getting glammed up for a night out with friends. She showcased her musical talents by playing the recorder in the school band and singing in the choir.
Introduction
February 14th, 1981. A day margined in my mind, body and soul. The day the Stardust fire took my beautiful daughter Carol.
Background
We were blessed with five lovely children, Carol being the second eldest. Until that fatal night, life was relatively good for our lovely family. Carol was quiet, in her ways, however, she would participate well in school. Academically: she was in the school band, the choir and the girl guides. She had good friends and later a good job. Myself and her dad came from large families, a close community. Carol was a daughter, sister, cousin and god mother to my sister's twins whom she loved dearly.
Stardust Fire
There was so much taken from her that night. Devastating our family, friends and community. When the terrible news came, we couldn’t take it in. A bad dream, someone else’s nightmare. She was in the hospital and died three days later. She was alone, I wasn’t there to hold her hand or tell her I love her.
Since then
I was put on very strong medication. I had a son 19 years old, daughter 14 and 7 years old. I wasn’t capable of taking care of them and my family stepped in. My children missed their sister and their mum and dad. They have all been to counselling. I lost my child and couldn’t be there for the rest. I meet school friends often or they visit, and I never stop wondering where would she be in her life today.
Carol by Liz
The day that's etched within my mind is the day after you said goodbye,
It’s the day the joy of my first 7 years slowly, slowly disappeared.
I didn’t understand what was wrong, but I felt the pain so very strong.
And as I sat with all the people there and wished they’d all just disappear,
If they were gone then you’d come home, and everything would be as it was before.
I didn’t get to say goodnight, I couldn’t even hold you tight.
I wish I could recall the times, we spent together you and I
But I had to lock them all away for fear that I would cause
more pain.
My grief with my memories I buried deep, they only surfaced
in my sleep.
My memories then are filled with Mam and minding her as best I can,
To stop her crying over the child she lost, I had to help her bear her cross
I couldn’t even speak your name, the memory just caused so much pain.
I feel you with me every day, I see you in my children’s play.
I know you guide us wherever we go,
And I love you more than words will show.
I wish I’d got to say goodnight, I wish I got to hold you tight.
