Love is Stronger than Pain
Based on the Inspirational True Story of Irene Corcoran O’Brien As Remembered by Her Son Michael J. O’Brien
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Before handing the newborn child to his parents, Doctor Phillips reluctantly and empathetically stated, “Yes, we have a problem here. And I am compelled to acknowledge, that personally, I have never seen this condition in my career. I will do my best to explain the complex intricacies of the situation, then I will have a colleague from the University of Cornell confirm my diagnosis later today. “What!” Irene exclaimed. And with a pathetic, heartbreaking sob, Irene demanded, “Doctor Phillips, let me see my baby, please!” Irene feared what she was about to discover about her fifth child. Richard immediately moved to his wife’s bedside and took a firm grasp of his wife’s hand. He felt the sweat on her hand and noticed the sweat on her brow. Richard leaned over and kissed his wife on the cheek and wiped her brow. “Your child has an extremely rare skin condition,” Dr. Phillips informed the parents. “I must advise you before I place the newborn in your arms, that it is extremely critical that you handle the baby very gingerly. Even hugging the baby could do irreparable, further damage to the skin.” Dr. Phillips then carefully and gingerly placed the baby in Irene’s extended arms with Richard intently looking on.
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About the Book
In Love is Stronger than Pain, author Michael J. O’Brien, Irene’s son, offers a true account of a wife and mother whose faith and perseverance were heroic. She raised eight children, two of whom were invalids born with a rare skin disease needing her constant care. She coped with the tragic accidental death of her twenty year old son, the death of her beloved husband, a fire in the family home, and the death of her parents, all within a few years.
Love is Stronger than Pain follows Irene’s incredible journey as she learned to see the loving hand of God at work in every circumstance of her life. Her faith and endurance were tested beyond limits, yet she persisted in her trust in God.
“It’s not very often that a book can reach into your heart and move you. Michael’s intimate telling of his mother, Irene’s life journey did just that. Through this story, I was reminded that the capacity to love grows through heartache and suffering; that true joy is experienced when we trust God one day at a time. Michael’s story is a beautiful tribute to his mother, but greater than that, it’s a story of unconditional love.”
—Jim Kelly, NFL Hall of Fame QuarterbackAbout the Author
Michael J. O’Brien earned a masters’ degree from the State University College at Buffalo and a second master’s from Canisius College, Buffalo. He has served as an assistant superintendent and co-founded a leadership academy in his district.