We love traveling to Ireland. Our first family trip to Ireland was in 1986. We had our 4 children between ages 8 and 3 for two weeks in the local area where my grandparents had emigrated from. 4400 miles from home. It was magical.
Having the experience of learning first hand about our cultural heritage is amazing. We have been truly blessed. Meeting my cousins and becoming friends is another great blessing.
The relations in Carndonagh, Co. Donegal have always been so kind, especially to Nick. No one asked us questions, they just looked at him with acceptance and gentleness. Everyone called him ‘a wee angel.’ It was such a relief to not have to explain why he was different or make excuses.
He was still not continent at night that first trip, so we had big diapers to help with that problem. One night they didn’t work. Nick had leaked all over the bed that he was sharing with his sister. In the morning, Karen was crying and it was a horrible mess. The owner of the B&B was so sweet. I was very embarrassed but she said “it was no bother to clean everything up”. It had to have been a bother because although she had an electric clothes washer, she had to dry the washing on the line outside in the damp, very cold July weather. I thought that she was the angel.
One of Nick’s favorite things to do is sing Irish songs. He knows hundreds. It a our family tradition to celebrate this holiday. Even though March 17th falls in the middle of the busiest time of tax season, it is a wonderful excuse to stop working and celebrate with family and friends. I have heard that on this day, everyone either says that they are Irish or wishes they were.
So today, enjoy the ‘Craic’ (in case you didn’t know that is Irish for ‘enjoyment and fun.’) Be kind and treat everyone with acceptance and gentleness.
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