On the road again
So here I am. Sitting at the lounge in Dubai.
I’ve scored myself a glass of Moët and I’m letting those bubbles bubble.
A week in Dubai and it’s time to leave, begin the next chapter of my journey.
Spain, Portugal, Dubai.
Each one has brought with it gifts, challenges, connections.
Now on to Australia. My homeland. My heartland.
Don’t get me wrong. I love Ireland.
It’s beauty. Greenness. Temperate climate. My family. My farm.
But part of me, my children have yearned to return to Australia. To finish their schooling.
And as their mum, I yearn for them.
So off I go. On another journey. Another adventure that is life.
Behind me, I leave our beautiful Lanespark - beginning its own journey. Billy tending the hens. Part of me is left behind there. It tugs at my heart.
Our eldest daughter, spreading her wings, making her own way. Aching at leaving her behind. Proud of the way she handles life. Succeeds. Strives.
But the tugging of the middle school goers is strong.
The pull of the red dirt of my homeland. A fluttering in my heart.
Of excitement, new beginnings. Again.
A new farm awaits. New land. New challenges. New adventures.
Returning to my roots.
Testing my template in a new environment.
Willing it to work.
Excited. Scared. Happy.
Tentative steps into the unknown. But also known.
Grappling with emotions.
I enter with a positive brief.
Inspiring my children I hope.
Growing our own food. Adapting to the harsh reality of Australia.
With its heat. Storms. Predators.
But its never ending horizons. Technicolour sunsets. Eucalyptus trees stretching to the sky.
All of that awaits.
The birdsong. The cicadas with their midday chorus.
I lift my chin, smile.
What’s growing inside me - a necessity to share my story of regeneration. Spreading the word.
Of hope.
Of returning.
Of being.