Treasured memories of Glenullin man 'Big Seamus'

Glenullin man, Seamus Mullan (Jim) would have celebrated his 80th birthday on February 29.

Seamus was the most amazing man I have had the privilege of meeting. A truly inspirational human being, with a heart of gold. Seamus literally would have done anything he could for anybody, always offering to help others, and so willing to do a good turn for others.

He understood pain and suffering so he was so full of compassion and empathy for others. He never complained about being sick, even though he suffered so much for over 20 years, after being diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma (tumour in his bone marrow).

The prognosis wasn't great for Seamus initially and I can't even begin to describe his horrendous cancer journey. He battled bravely for many years, enduring so much but still helping others when he could.

He agreed to take any treatment available, being a guinea pig for numerous innovative treatments and 'cures'! I remember a specific drug, Sinitta, which Seamus tried but the side effects of this medication were really harrowing for him. He developed a jawbone disease, which proved to be excruciating. Seamus experienced such unbearable pain with this condition, often remarking that it was even worse than the pain he was already suffering! However, he continued to undergo any treatment which his oncologist recommended.

Seamus never complained about his illness at any time but we would often see the fear, anxiety, and pain etched in his eyes.

I have often heard it said that, when you receive a cancer diagnosis, your life changes forever. Living with that fear of the unknown and worrying about the future can lead to such unimaginable stress and uncertainty as you face that lonely journey. This also has such a devastating impact on family and friends.

I will never ever forget that awful day when we heard that Seamus had cancer but he accepted his sickness with such dignity and determination to beat this and survive. Seamus lived life to the full and was always so positive that he would be cured.

The amount of medication he took on a daily basis was just mind boggling. I used to collect his tablets from the Sperrin Unit based in Altnagelvin's North West Cancer Centre so often told Seamus that the drugs he was prescribed were worth a fortune and we could maybe start selling them to make a wee fortune but this medication was keeping him alive, although it had some side effects.

Seamus would have steroids prescribed at times and, as a result, he would frequently get a boost of energy. We often told people asking about him that he was very ill but, the following day, he would pass them on the road, smiling, roaring to them as he passed by, making such a complete liar out of us all!

Seamus was such a good friend to many, always so sincere and genuine. We all adored him, and the fun and good times we always shared have made parting with him 13 years ago, somewhat easier to bear.

Life has to go on and nobody can possibly fill that huge void but we take some comfort from the fact that his suffering ended and he got to his rest at last.

Seamus was a born organiser, always sorting everyone out when he could, as he always knew best! He often ushered people up to the front seats in the chapel, and would not take no for an answer!

Seamus wouldn't have been the most tolerant or patient human being, and would let you know exactly how he felt, in no uncertain times, but his bark was worse than his bite, and he never held a grudge.

He definitely didn't suffer fools gladly (which possibly explains how we got on so well!).

He was such a kind, generous, and obliging man, one in a million.

Seamus would often confide in me about his concerns as I suppose I was someone outside the family. He rarely talked about how he felt and just kept plodding on, hoping for the best but probably expecting the worst at times.

Everybody adored Seamus, including all the medical staff he came into contact with. He would frequently tell the consultants how to do their job, telling them off as if they were schoolchildren! He always meant well, and was the epitome of how to bear pain and great suffering.

I was so devastated when Seamus lost his brave, courageous battle but I recall the good times we had over the years. Memories are so important and they help you cope and move on but I dearly wish we could have made many more memories with Seamus. What a truly wonderful soul he was!

I have no doubt that he was partying with family and friends last Thursday on his special Heavenly birthday, probably organising it himself, while giving instructions and orders to anyone who got in his way!

I always told him he should have two birthdays, one on February 28, and another celebration on March 1, but, this being a leap year, he was rounding up his family members and friends, to mark his actual birthday on February 29.

We miss him more than words can say, he left a space no-one can fill.

Seamus – One of a Kind

A shining light, you were an example to all

A heart of gold, you were always on call

A life lived well, doing kindly deeds

Always there to look after our needs

Knowing we could always depend on you

Through thick and thin, our whole lives through

You bore such pain in such a dignified way

Continuing to help others, night or day

The good times shared, we will never forget

The most amazing man who we ever met

We miss you so much, each and every day

As in Heaven you wander, still guiding us along the way.