Tom and Judy's Visit To Ireland

Although very tired and suffering from jet lag, Judy and Tom are now back home in Minneapolis and I am trying to come to terms with the emptiness and solitude of the house.

When I spoke to Judy yesterday, she asked me what my feelings were when I arrived home after leaving them at Dublin Airport on Wednesday. I had to think for a moment to find the answer, but then it hit me like a ton of bricks, that the first thing I noticed as I went about the house was the neatness and tidiness of everyplace. Don’t get me wrong, I like to keep a tidy ship and keep the house in a way that it is always presentable in case someone unexpectedly drops in, but this was different. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. Tom’s computer should have been on the floor over by his chair with his red folder of papers close by. Judy’s computer and other personal stuff should have been on the table that she asked me to buy for her on the first day of their visit so that she would have someplace to leave her things beside her seat. That was a fun day, the day the three of us went out to shop for the table. She said a box would do. I couldn’t find a box, so in the end we settled for a little locker-type table with three drawers that has now become a beautiful addition to my sitting room. It has a nice table lamp on top that Judy decided was needed (and which she and Tom bought for me) to compliment the table and transform that corner of the room and give it a nice pleasant appearance. I think it looks much better than the box that she said would do.

Judy enjoying her new table

Now as I surveyed the room everything was too neat and tidy. The cushions were neatly arranged on the settee where Judy sat. It was as if no trace of them remained except a peanut M and M packet containing a few M and M’s that Judy, by some great means of personal sacrifice, had managed to leave for me.

Well now that I’m getting back to being alone again, I can reflect on the great times we had during Tom and Judy’s visit. Highlights of the visit? There were many and I couldn’t possibly pick out one instance above the rest that I could say was a real highlight of their visit. Their attendance at the 10th Anniversary Mass for my late wife, Ann, and meeting all my immediate family there and then having lunch afterwards with those of the family that could attend was certainly a very important event for me. I was so proud to have them there and so proud of my family that welcomed them with open arms to this very solemn event that marked the passing of a dearly beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.

Judy is always a hit with the young people. Here she pictured at our lunch after the anniversary mass enjoying the company of my granddaughter Deirdre (on right) and Deirdre's Friend Lisa.

Judy fulfilling a promise to our dear friend Maryzona that she would drink a glass of Guinness for her in Ireland. I'm not sure if she got to the end of it but the thought was there Maryzona. By this expression she is wishing you the very best of health - as we all are - and a very speedy recovery. You were not forgotten in Ireland !!

A visit to Dundrum in South Tipperary to meet my 3 sisters and my brother in law, Neil, is always something to look forward to. My sister Freddie’s welcome home party is always a very entertaining event. If you qualify for one of those welcome home or departure parties, you are truly well-ensconced as a member of the family. On this visit which took place on Monday 9 we arrived early and first of all had a nice visit and lunch with my sister Kathleen and Neil before joining the rest of the family at Freddie’s to finish off the day. On this occasion too Tom and Judy met my brother, Jim, for the first time and that was nice.

Judy and Tom relaxes at my sister's house in Dundrum

That night we stayed overnight at my sisters and had a nice relaxing day next day before heading home for Nenagh to prepare for our trip to London on the Thursday.
I will tell you more about that in my next post.

Please stay tuned......