Anna Geary Opens Up About Her Dad’s Shock Death and Life’s Devastating Turn

RTE presenter Anna Geary has courageously shared her personal struggles following the sudden loss of her father, Michael, who passed away in March 2022 after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. Geary’s journey is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the profound impact of losing a loved one.

Geary, known for her vibrant personality and dedication to fitness, is Ireland’s Fittest Family coach and a mother of one. Her openness about her father’s illness and her subsequent experiences make her story a powerful one, resonating with many who have faced similar losses.

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Just weeks after receiving the diagnosis, Michael Geary, a former farmer known for his robust health, passed away. For Anna, a woman who used to joke about her father’s seemingly invincible constitution, the news was a devastating blow.

The Shock of Terminal Diagnosis

During an interview on Carl Mullan’s “Phone Truths” podcast, Anna reflected on her father’s misdiagnosis and how quickly his health deteriorated. She described him as someone who never seemed to get sick, even after spending a night in the rain. “If there was meat in the fridge a week old and only for the dogs, if my dad ate it, he would be grand— he had a stomach of steel,” she said.

Geary’s father visited his doctor complaining of persistent back pain. The doctor discovered a tumour, and within weeks, Michael was gone. The suddenness of his illness and death left Anna and her family reeling. “To find out like that it was hard to believe,” she admitted. “I think I took the phone call and went about my day.”

The Impact on Family Dynamics

As the eldest sibling, Anna felt the weight of responsibility in the aftermath of her father’s passing. “Our whole life turned upside down and when you lose anybody in your family, particularly a parent, the dynamic of your family shifts,” she explained. “And I was the oldest, suddenly you’re not a child.”

The role of family caretaker often falls on the eldest when tragedy strikes. Anna stepped up to help her mother and siblings navigate their grief, becoming a beacon of support and strength in the household.

A Personal Growth Journey

Anna shared words of wisdom for those experiencing similar hardships. “If there are people listening going through that, it’s allowing yourself the space to process that,” she advised. “Because I didn’t process it immediately and didn’t process it until he was gone.”

The lessons learned from her father’s illness have become a part of who Anna is. Her resilience shines through in her public-facing role and private life, inspiring others to face adversity with courage and grace.

Becoming a Mother

Life took a significant turns when Anna welcomed her first child, Ronan, into the world a year after her father’s death. “It completely and utterly turned upside down,” she confessed. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s brilliant and it’s amazing. And we wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Becoming a mother forced Anna to confront the unpredictable nature of life and adjust to a new way of living. “Things change all the time,” she said. “And I think I have to be okay with that.”

Adapting to the New Norm

The transition to motherhood brought challenges that tested Geary’s organisational skills. “It’s kind of – the word I use often is discombobulating because it is,” she admitted. “I’m quite an organised person and I’m a planner and I like doing that and making plans. You can’t really do that with a small baby because they dictate a lot of what you do and where you go and what time you leave the house at.”

Anna learned to roll with the punches, embracing the chaos of motherhood. “You have to roll with that and be okay with it. It won’t last forever.” This perspective has helped her maintain a sense of balance and perspective during her motherhood journey.

“Everything Is a Phase”

A friend’s words of wisdom have stuck with Anna: “Everything is a phase and whether you’re going through a good phase or you’re going through a hard phase, everything is a phase and it will pass.” This reminder has provided comfort and solace during challenging times.

For Anna, the journey of loss, recovery, motherhood, and personal growth has been a profound one. Her story encourages others to find their strength in adversity, process their emotions, and adapt to life’s constant changes.

Anna Geary’s openness about her personal journey serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how challenging life can be, resilience and adaptability will see us through.

For those who have faced similar challenges, Anna’s story offers a beacon of hope and encouragement. Her advice to process emotions, roll with the punches, and remember that everything is a phase makes her insights invaluable.

If you have shared experiences or understand the journey Anna has undergone, we would love to hear your thoughts.

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