February 23, 2013 - So. . .it has been quite a while since my last post. Since I'm the only one who reads my post (right now), it's more like a personal diary - more for my writing pleasure than sharing.
I choose to write thoughts down now as we prepare for a family trip to Ireland. Ages: 72, 65, and 33. Brandon going with us will make the trip for me. He is known as "the Irishman" at his workplace and always takes the day off to spend in a pub or two. I admit to being a bit relieved to hear him say this year that he's thinking of ending this event as the day after is a rough go. Here's hoping his St. Patrick's Day experience is a good one. It will be in Galway. We're staying at the Hotel Meyric and have a front room; we don't expect much sleep that night.
Another big change for me will come next week when I get a call from the North End Optical office that my prescription glasses are in. I should get some good practice not tripping over things before we leave on our trip.
I worry that as I age I'm turning into a worrier. Oh, dear. I just read that sentence and it must be true. I'm worrying about the weather for our flight which includes two connections: one in Chicago and one in London. Lots of stormy, snowy weather in the Chicago area. I'm worrying about whether or not to check a bag, fear it won't get to Dublin before we leave that city for Kilronan. I'm worrying about my conditioning or lack thereof; don't want to hold the guys back from long walks. I'm worrying about drinking too much trying to be "one of the guys". I'm worrying about not sleeping. Sighhhh,
Truth be told, I'm worried about some things, but I'm also quite excited. I'm excited about spending two weeks with my son, let's start there. I'm not a traveler by nature; a homebody through and through. I'm excited about staying in some high end castles and hotels, hoping their bars are comfy. I'm excited about the Guinness Storehouse experience, learning to pour a perfect pint and sipping some tastes in the Connoisseur Bar. I'm excited about visiting the Quiet Man museum with a tour group since it's normally closed this time of year. Whew, lucked out there. I'm eager to watch the excitement in my husband's eyes, a traveler at heart. I can't wait for the smile and sway of my son as he listens to a pure Irish fiddler in a countryside pub. There is good news here. It is that the excitement outweighs the worry. That's the way it should be. That's Life.
And today marks three years since Mom's passing. I am filled with longing to tell her about our upcoming trip, to ask her questions that I let pass by about her life growing up, to feel her unconditional love for me in every instance we spent together. My heart is full tonight. Full of Mom.
