Thanks A Million*

One of the biggest reminders that life in Dublin has provided is that people are really really GOOD. I know this may sound obvious but the kindness and generosity we have experienced since we began planning this trip isn't as noticeable at home when one is in a normal routine and does not need regular assistance.  

A few weeks ago, when it was pouring rain and we ran into a neighbor, Jeanetta, at the SuperQuinns (whom Lisa calls our "nice nosy neighbor"), she offered to drive me home. She was with another elderly neighbor, another Sheila, who she drives to the grocery store regularly because Sheila was so good to Jeanetta when her mother died. 

When our neighbor Victoria came to visit and there was no cash machine at the Dublin port to get Euros to take the train to Blackrock, the woman working at the port ticket office drove her go a cash machine at a nearby gas station so she could get money.  

The first week we were here, when Lisa was starving at UCD with no cash and a non-functioning credit card, a stranger bought her lunch.  

Last week, a friend of a friend hosted us all day last Sunday driving us to Howth and making us a lovely meal.  And we were just invited by a friend of a friend of a high school friend of mine to tea next Friday (yes, that is friend three times removed!).

The biggest gift we received since being here was a call we got from one of Maggie's teachers on Friday.  She wanted to let us know that the "party" Maggie had been invited to tonight was actually a "disco" that was not sponsored by the school and that there would be alcohol and possibly drugs there as well other in appropriate activity that Maggie had probably not have been exposed to in the past.  

The teachers were particularly concerned as they know we did not have a car and if Maggie became uncomfortable she would not have an "easy" out. The teacher said it was clear Maggie is a very nice girl and might not be ready for such an experience. And, the lovely woman went on to make clear she did not intend to show judgment of parents who let their kids go to discos as all kids develop at different rates. She went on to tell me that she raised daughters and would have wanted to know what we were getting into. She recognized that because of the cultural differences, we had no idea what the event was.

We had no clue!  

Maggie was great when we talked to her a out it and actually seemed relieved.  It provided us with a terrific opportunity to have an important discussion with her.  We are now focused on the gathering of Maggie's friends on "Pancake Tuesday" which will be fun and age-appropriate! (Thanks to my sister Kathy for the great idea,)

Lisa and I cannot stop talking about how grateful we are for that teacher's call.  The fact that this woman who does not know us took the time to have a candid conversation without knowing how we would react was impressive.  How many of us would have taken the risk and effort to do the same thing.

And then, of course, is the unbelievable love and kindness being expressed from America both before we left and since we have been here...We cannot thank you all enough for the emails, calls, mail, packages, engaged and interested listening, great questions and all around good wishes.  As the kids have transitioned and had bouts of homesickness...GRANDPARENTS, friends (including new friend Quan who shares pictures of much missed kitties), neighbors, family, classmates and teachers have all reached out. 

Lisa and I have talked a lot about how taking this trip has provided the incredible opportunity to experience how much people love and care for us, and that alone has been life changing

THANK YOU for all you have done for us and know that we love you too!  

This time is highlighting for us how short life really is and that with all the good, loving, supportive people in our lives, it is too short to waste engaging with petty grievances and complaints. 

*The Irish always say "thanks a million" which we love.