Dundalk Day 3, July 25





 This morning I woke feeling very rough. My head aches, my coughing is coming in fits and my upper body aches. I am grateful for the Tylenol I bought in Kilkenny and the nose spray I had the good sense to bring and most especially in this moment a long hot shower to sooth me and a hot cup of coffee to comfort me. My little hermitage has many comforts.

But most on my mind is that it is the morning of  July 25th, 8:00 in the morning Irish time. It is 1:00 in the morning at home in Idaho. People are sleeping. My thoughts carry me to my daughter. It is her birthday. Over the course of her years, there are few birthdays I have missed celebrating with her. When I planned this trip I knew I would be missing this day with her, but because of the scheduling of the retreats I could not see a way around it. But she is my first thought this morning long before she awakes. I hope she knows my deep love for her and my deepest desires for her comfort and happiness. A parent’s love always carries a sense of protectiveness and concern. She is a grown woman, mother, wife and daughter and while she is well and does well my heart still reaches out to cover her like St. Brigid’s cloak to cover and protect her all of her days. 

Below is a picture of Angie and I on pilgrimage in Spain. We have walked this life of pilgrimage together a long time now. She is heart of my heart. 

Prayer

May on this day Angie be blessed with all the love that surrounds her in this world and in the world of our ancestors. And may the year to come bring her good health and her heart’s deepest desire. Happy Birthday Angie.

Slainte

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