Quiet Moments of Reflection

We have been in Slane now for a few days and I have already taken over 200 photos. I cannot express how deeply impacted I have become. In order to get here we would have to take a bus from Dublin, hitting a few towns along the way, but we had an angel looking out for us and were introduced to Bernard. This gentleman offered us a lift from Dublin to Trim, yes that town that part of Braveheart was filmed at, and made sure we were on our correct path towards Slane. It is moments like that I sought to have on our last trip.

As he drove and related his knowledge to us I sat wondering how it was that we were so fortunate to have an opportunity once again to mingle among the Irish people. After he dropped us off, at the right bus stop, we sat looking at the ruins of Trim Castle. I snapped off a few dozen pictures and sat in awe at the ruins mixed among the modern structures. I can only imagine what it would have been like growing up with these relics in view every day.

I sit here, sipping my coffee, yes I drink coffee even in Ireland, looking out my window at the tree of fire and am greeted every morning since we have been here by a council of crows. That dark bird of omens and prophecy cawing down at me and reminding me of Cú Chulainn and his journey. The Morrigu, the goddess associated with death and transformation, who followed him along his journey from Muirthemne Plain to Emain Macha where he would later join up with the Red Branch after displaying several feats uncharacteristic of a young man. Though I am not born from a god and mortal, I feel my own transformation has been going on since I began this journey.

I have changed from my first trip to Ireland, having been to a place I have only dreamt of, and I am changing once again. My emotions are free of any social dogma and I am finding my words easier to speak. It is a testament as to how the human spirit can soar to great heights and drown in some of the deepest sorrow. A journey I have been making for several years now. I am fortunate to have a partner in life who understands what I am going through, feels and shares similar experiences with me.

I close this with but a single thought – What do I get to experience next? What indeed.