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
Hi Eryin
Top of the morning like my husband use to say when in a good mood
Love the remarks about your Dad great story
Have a great Sunday in Ireland
Talk soon. Hugs
Dearest Eryn I had no idea your Dad studied in Ireland. That is wonderful that you can retrace his steps. An incredible tribute to your Dad. This is great and I would imagine at time quite poignant. The postcards capture Ireland. My Great Grandmother was born in Spain and my Grandmother was born in Ireland. It is an amazing country. I love you so much my Anam Cara. Laura
Laura Straus
Nice 🙂
XOXO
Hi, it’s Natalie… We met at breakfast in Kinlay house a few days ago! I found your blog and I’ve been reading through it and I have to say it’s really great! Hope everything went/goes well with the car hire and sleep haha. Have a great continued journey!
Hi Natalie – thanks for visiting my blog 🙂 Yes, so far, so good with the car. Although this car camping stuff is not so comfortable… LOL But it’s all good, roaming around Ireland – really spectacular out here! I highly suggest it if you get the chance to come back. Thanks for the positive feedback on my blog. Nice to hear, really… Well, hopefully you’ll keep checking in and hope you guys had a great trip too 🙂
Eryn, I am so glad you have this opportunity to walk where your dad walked! Was the lady at the boarding house still around? Oh…you need to find Chardonney…his wine of choice!! Also, do not forget to have a good meal at a pub! You know those meals were very important to your dad!! thinking of you as you journey…lots of love!!
Yes, I’ve had a Chardonnay for him… and several good meals at pubs. Yes, eating and sleeping very important! LOL Love love love to you Debra Zoe!!!
Hi Eryn,
What an awesome time to be able to visit where your father studied! Take care and stay in touch.
TTYS,
Victoria Taylor
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Eryn, I know he’s looking down on you and is very proud of the woman you are.
Thank you… I believe Rusty and my dad are smoking cigarettes together and talking about how proud they are of their daughters…