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| Killary Harbour Fjord Cruise |
People have often complimented me and called me "strong" and "inspirational"... And while I am so grateful for the support and encouragement, I have always said that my strength comes from those around me. My parents in particular deserve a mention here. Growing up, we probably weren't the most financially well-off in the village. Yet, I can honestly say that I never needed for anything! Wanted - maybe yes; but what kid doesn't? But "needed" - no! Never!
Both my parents worked hard from a very young age. I grew up in small village in a petrol station/village shop; the only one for miles around. We were open 7 days a week, 364 days a year. My dad worked since he was a young teenager as a builder and carpenter with his brother as well as owning a small farm. So, it was a busy house! But from a young age, Mum and Dad taught me to never give up. No matter what life may throw at you... no matter how many times you may fall... no matter how much it may hurt, always get up again! Or, at the very least, try to get up! They have been through a lot in their 50 years of marriage - good times and hard times. They lost people they love... They worked hard. They faced all of life's challenges as a team and they never gave up! So, when people call me strong, I think of them and of how strong they are! That is where my "strength" began.
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| Kylemore Abbey |
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| Walled Garden at Kylemore Abbey |
For their 50th anniversary, we decided to bring them on a mystery tour to celebrate. We planned to bring them somewhere a bit more 'extravagant' but I was too sick to travel out of the country so we decided to have a "staycation" for now instead. We chose Westport in Co Mayo, one of their favourite places.
Mum and dad were like two kids at Christmas in the back of the car as we headed off on our mystery tour. They both love Westport so when Fergus drove into our hotel there, they were delighted!
There was Champagne in the room for mum and dad - a bottle for each of the 2 nights we were staying as my Godmother Brid had also arranged for a bottle for them. We got changed and prepared to go out for dinner. I decided to put my wig on for the very first time. I remember at that time, I felt I looked nothing like myself! Now as I look back at this photo, it doesn't seem so bad.
We spent 3 lovely days going for drives, lunches out, visiting local sites, short walks, eating ice-cream and wandering in and out of little local craft shops. It was so lovely to spend such quality time together. The last time I had stayed in Westport with mum and dad, Dad and I climbed Croagh Patrick... this time, climbing a stairs was hard enough! But some day please God in the years ahead, Dad and I will climb it again!
Happy anniversary Mum and Dad - love you both so much, xxx
