Today we took a train from Dublin to a town called Ennis, in the county Clare. It was probably the first time on this journey where a person had gestured to us that there were seats available next to and across from him. So Ross, Amber and I sat with a very kind Irish gentleman for the first part of our trip. At first I just smiled at him but when it was mentioned that we were on our way to Ennis he pointed out that he had lived there. So we began to chat, and when he heard we were from Canada he mentioned that we were making headlines. I told him how, as big as Canada is, it is still like a small place when tragedy strikes. I also said I had mixed feelings about being away on such a lovely holiday when people back home were upset and worried. He kindly said that you can't worry about things like that or you'd never get out of bed in the morning, worrying about getting hit by a bus or something. Of course, he said it much more eloquently than that and with that beautiful lilting Irish accent which I am madly in love with! Everyone sounds so charming, it truly is calming. He also said that we (Canada) are fortunate in that these type of headlines are rare, and since Ireland has such a turbulent past, this does make sense. So I find myself once again trying to focus on the good that will come out of this rather than the hatred and the violence. I wondered at one time "why do things always happen when I go away?" Then I realized that things always happen, us staying home wouldn't have changed anything! However, it does trouble us, even all the way over here, so know that we are thinking of our friends, our family and our home. XO
No comments:
Post a Comment