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In 1987, my father came to Ireland to attend Trinity College when he hit the restart button on his life, at the age of 42.  He was studying social work for his second career after his exit from the Navy.  Knowing what I know now, I realize his coming to Ireland at that time was a big deal, and a giant leap forward in starting his new life after some major mid-life tragedies.

Turns out, he met his second wife a short time before leaving the U.S. and after only being in Ireland a month, he sent her a postcard proposing marriage.  Awwwe.  She accepted, he came back to Florida to finish his studies there and they married that year.

So, for me, Ireland was a “must visit” on this intrepid journey of mine.  In some ways I’m continuing his trip and forging my own path forward after my own mid-life awakening.  He’s not around anymore, but he’s looking down on me now, (probably with a cigarette) proud to know I am here on my own cathartic trek – in Dublin, walking the gardens of Trinity College feeling him all around me.

I believe I will smoke a cigarette and drink a pint for you today ole’ dad…

Oh, and here’s one of dads favorite songs…  Always reminds me of him.

Blue Skies – Willie Nelson

Blue skies smilin’ at me
Nothin’ but blue skies do I see
Blue birds singin’ a song
Nothin’ but blue skies from now on
I never saw the sun shinin’ so bright
Never saw things goin’ so right
Noticin’ the days hurryin’ by
When your in love, my how the fly by
Blue days all of them gone
Nothin’ but blue skies from now on

Blue skies smilin’ at me
Nothin’ but blue skies do I see
Blue days all of ’em gone
Nothin’ but blue skies from now on
Blue skies smilin’ at me
Nothin’ but blue skies do I see
Blue days all of ’em gone
Nothin’ but blue skies from now on
Blue skies smilin’ at me
Nothin’ but blue skies, do I see
Blue days all of ’em gone
Nothin’ but blue skies from now on

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