Fun facts about the trip: Photos Taken (by me): 3,601
Miles Driven (by me): 1,104
Castles Seen: 17
Guinness's: 13
Distilleries Visited: 3
First and foremost this was a trip for my mother. Someone who has been through more than anyone else I know in the last couple of years. Witnessing a family dissolve, a financial crisis, having one of her sons move across the country, trying to find a new job in an ever shrinking market - all while trying to finish her doctorate. The latter alone is enough to deserve praise, but she managed to complete it under all the circumstances mentioned above, with poise, grace, and dignity. She's a fighter who refused to give up and made it to her final goal. There is no one else that I know who would be able to pull off what she has done and I will be forever proud of her for doing so.
It only seemed fitting to bring her to the place she always wanted to go, back to her homeland, where her roots were. And to be honest, I don't think there is anyone else that I would have wanted to travel there with. This entire trip was such a decompresser for her. She was able to let it all out. Laugh as often and as loud and she wanted. Experience things she had never done. See places unlike anywhere else. Taste the food her ancestors ate. Smell the crisp Irish air. This was her reward to continuing onward, never giving up.
I'll be blunt. It's been hard living across the country. I miss my friends. My home. My family. I've always had a strong bond with my mother. One that I haven't seen between other parents and their kids. I can't exactly explain it, but it just works. We understand each other and respect each other. We know how we're feeling without saying a word - how to make each other smile and laugh. And the last few years have been hard on both of us, admittedly more so for her, but I felt somewhat useless. A phone call or a random Skype session could only do so much. It had almost been a year since last time I had seen her in person and this trip just rekindled what we had been missing. Like I said, there really isn't anyone else that I'd want to have traveled the country with. She's like me. Hit the ground running. See a sign for something that looks fun and interesting? Ok cool - lets head there. We'll figure out food and lodging on the way. And for the most part, we were able to do that. Just pack our things into the car and drive out, exploring and learning as we went.
I went into this trip expecting to see someplace I had never been. But the experience was so much richer than that. I'll forever love Ireland and want to go back. It felt like home to me. I was enriched by the entire trip. I experienced a whole new culture, tried new foods, learned to drink Guinness like it was water, laughed until my stomach hurt, fell asleep without a care in the world, awoke each day as eager to explore as the last. And aside from the drinking Guinness part, I know my mom felt the same way. I haven't seen her so happy in such a long time. A smile from ear to ear was constantly on her face. Eyes wide every time we passed a castle, pleading to stop for pictures every time we saw sheep grazing on a hillside (which was about every two minutes). I know this trip was balm for her soul. It was much needed and as I said before, much deserved. But most of all, it was perfect because she got to be with her two sons again, on vacation, in Ireland. I'm just glad my brother and I were able to take her on it.
Congratulations Mom. You deserve it and I'll be forever proud of you for your achievements.
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