What an experience this has been! We've seen so much of this magnificent island, and yet there's so much we haven't even gotten close to. I don't think I've ever spent this much time away from home when the time went so quickly. I have so much enjoyed the time... here with Cameron, taking in the sites, taking it all in with him. The churches, cathedrals, castles, coastlines, scenic panoramas... it's all been fantastic. But I have to say...
For those of you who know me really (REALLY) well, I'm just an ol' softie at heart. And one thing that has always been among my favorite things is the sound of children singing. Over the years, Kim and I have had the pleasure of hearing our boys singing at various concerts, church events, etc. But here's something that always STILL catches me off guard... kids are kids... but for the past year, since Cameron started Elder and joined the Glee Club and Drama activities, I'm always caught off guard by how much I'm touched by even the sound of teenage boys singing. It's just something I can't explain. Now keep in mind, these are the same boys who smell up the busses BEYOND IMAGINATION... the same boys who (after all, they are teenagers) many are looking to get out of the hotels at night, break curfew... the same boys who spend egual amounts of time telling 'fart jokes' and checking themselves out in every passing shop-window (gosh, sounds like they're ALREADY well on their way to 'manhood'), etc. The ones looking to 'explore' the various towns, mind you, it's only a handful. But from what I'm hearing in the mornings, PLENTY of them have had quite the time while here. Boys... after all, i WAS one, some (many?) would argue I still AM one, and I've been blessed with five to raise. On this topic, I know of what I speak. That's not my point. My point is, no matter what the circumstances, no matter who is late, or bus sick, or suffering any other 'ailment' (I think that's hat they call it here... 'ailment')... when it comes time to perform, these guys NAIL IT. Every time. And every time, it has hit me right in the gut. From the AMAZING acoustics of St. Patrick's Cathedral to public performances in Galway's public square... they have been outstanding. And I can tell you this also... a few of the songs they have performed bring a tear to my eye. Every time. 'When Irish Eyes Are Smiling' in particular... I could name a few others, but that's not really the point. The point is, these kids (young men) have been great. AWESOME, really. And I'm a better person for having witnessed everything.
We finished today touring the Guiness Storehouse (see pic below). The boys performed yet another concert. And it was GREAT. As they paged through their songs (and of course they had to do 'Irish Eyes'... WHAT?!?, be QUIET!, have something in my eye! lol), I couldn't help but wonder what dad mightta been thinking. Probably something along the lines of 'Get home already.. you've spent enough money!' :) Kidding. I had the distinct feeling he was watching one of his grandsons belt 'em out in the grand room at the Guiness Storehouse, and smiling big (with his 'Irish Eyes'). Thought about you a bunch these past 12 days, Paulie. And smiled ever time.
Something else that I wasn't quite prepared for... I knew I would miss Kim and the other boys. But I had NO IDEA how much. Cameron & I have been gone a brief period of time... but we managed to miss Paxton learning his eye is completely healed, Duncan learning his baseball team made the City Tourney, Holden throwing a NO-HITTER, Griffin winning his game AND learning how to ties his own cleats (wow, the last Kelley boy to NOW no longer need help with his shoes... another milestone). And Kim... there's not another lady around who couldda 'run herd' on the brood with the ease and excellence you've delivered. Thank you. Really, I don't know what to say... but, Thank You (for everything).
Jeff Bradley (and hopefully Steve), please let Natalie know that we lit yet another candle in yet another Cathedral for her this morning in St. Mary's Cathedral. Told her earlier this week in a posting on her CarePage that we had her with us while over here... and we meant it. Please let her know. And we were also carrying around Natalie's cousin, Alexis. You both are incredible, and Jeff & Steve... please pass it on to those lovely young ladies. (hope to see you at Uncle Bill's in a week or so).
Kevin... you and I have exchanged some pretty entertaining msgs during this trip. Thanks for the levity and thanks for always being there. And, just remember, KEEP PADDLING!
Mom... you helped us get here. And you were right here with us the whole way, I promise. From the bottom of our hearts, thanks you.
To everyone else who's kept in touch, thanks. I was kinda thrown by how much I missed home. And hearing from you was a great boost.
Well folks, it's it's about 6:45 Dublin time. Dinner's at 7:30. From what I've heard, the 'farewell' dinner on these trips can be / is a real 'event'. But I was just chatting with a couple of our drivers down in the bar... who, by the way, have been amazing. Great guys, VERY knowledgeable, entertaining, and PATIENT! Anyway, they are ALWAYS the ones I find when I want to know what's REALY going on. They informed me that for a 9:30am departure, we'll likely be leaving the hotel at... wait for it, waaaaaaaiiiiit for it (can everyone imagine the smile on Cameron's face? LOLOLOLOL...) 5:30am. Yikes. I haven't slept past 5:30 the whole trip, but it's entirely a different thing to be at the doorstep ready to go AT 5:30am. Oh well... we'll be fine.
I'm rambling, and i know it. But that's mostly cuz I don't really want this to be over. I can't wait to be home, but still.... I'm sure you understand. We'll be on our way in the morning... and I'll put something up from one of the airports. Until then... have a great afternoon and evening, folks. And... I have had the time of my life!
dk
Dublin Time