I’ve seen myself shuttle from one continent to another juggling between work and my personal life. The job I was blessed with gave me the rare chance to see the world in a different perspective. Through traveling I have become skilled at grasping lessons of any situation thrown at me. Appreciating and accepting change became effortless when you’re in recognition that things don’t usually work as you planned it to be.
While having a blast in Ireland, I received a news that we're never going back to Bahrain. Though saddened by Mr. Jackson's decision, I never attempted to question why.
Life away from home was challenging. Homesickness will slowly kill you and poison your mind to quit. You need to have a strong will power to go on and to continue performing your best as if everything was fine.
I was fortunate enough that I met friends along the way that made my journey worthwhile.
Let me acknowledge these amazing people who have enriched my soul in one way or another. I may not remember all their names but their kindness will remain in my heart forever.
How could I forget the owner of the O’leary Transport. He was such a sweetheart. The first person we met in Cork.
The lovely people of Luggala, Wicklow… Maria, John, Adrianna who cooked the tastiest fried chicken in the world and another lady who was so gracious and kind. Thank you guys for the morning ( before school) chat at the kitchen. I will never forget my “breakfasts” with you.
The wonderful owners of Grouse Lodge, Paddy and Claire Dunning with their awesome team Tracy, Laura , Erin, the guy from Spain and Kenny .Your hospitality is very much appreciated. Thank you for taking good care of us. Tracy, thanks for allowing me to stay inside the office and for buying “top-ups” for my cellphone. Laura, you’re a gifted cook. Your healthy dishes were the best. Erin, thank you for assisting us with our needs and bringing food to Coolatore every day. Ray O Hara, our chauffeur, thank you for taking me to Bridgewater Shopping Centre and Dundrum Town Centre in Dublin on weekends.
We have stayed in Ireland, the land of many beautiful castles and stone buildings for quite a while enough to be considered as our second home. It was our sanctuary away from the paparazzi and media. Personally, I have learned to love their weather, culture, lush and green environment, food and most especially the warm people who showered us with so much attention and love.
When I think of Ireland I remember these: the fried chicken (and milk, PP you know exactly what I'm talking about) at Luggala, the excellent homemade cookies of Claire and Laura, my afternoon walk from the cottage to Coolatore, sauna just before bedtime, treadmill sessions and morning/ afternoon jog with the children, my first helicopter ride ever,shopping at Dundrum and wearing those wellies.
My unending gratitude to the Jacksons, my family away from home. The loneliness was perfectly compensated with the fun and laughter everytime I was with the family. The giggles, fooling around, silly jokes and the pranks with them were unforgettable. Without a doubt, a wealth of priceless memories with Mr. Jackson and the children in the land of the Emerald Isle.
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