Sonia (97) pens ‘Little Hospital Book’

EVERY now and then something lands on your lap that gives you a warm feeling, and reminds you that even when things aren't going so well there's always light.

Sonia Kelly from Westport has published a charming new book, based on her experiences of a stay in Mayo University Hospital.

At 97, the Westport woman is no stranger to the pen and health. She founded the internationally acclaimed Cloona health retreat in Westport and now, as a 'retired' journalist, has begun a 'little book' series.

Her Little Book of Castlebar Hospital is all about her recent stay there, and it's a light-hearted and positive read that really lifts the spirits.

The start of the little book series, of which this is the latest edition, was due to Sonia's interest in Eastern art and this led to the discovery of the Japanese Haiku, which is a poem of three lines that expresses the essence of the subject in very few words, and in this case is accompanied by wonderful illustrations.

It was further induced by a period of inactivity brought on by an accident which led to the hospital book.

Sonia suffered a fall due to lack of balance which resulted in a broken nose and jaw and a leg injury which in turn led to her going to the hospital.

This book is a description of her days spent in hospital and is in contrast to many of the reports about the HSE. It is full of praise for the attention she received and for the very helpful staff.

It was, says Sonia, a pleasure to be sick in this hospital.

The book is also a means of saying thank you for the experience ‘which made it seem like a sojourn in the Ritz hotel’, she added.

The book is available in the Castle Bookshop in Castlebar and in McLoughlin’s Bookshop in Westport.

If you know someone in hospital or who's feeling a little peaky, this little book is a real tonic.